President Uhuru Kenyatta officially commissioned the MV Doria vessel, at Liwatoni, Mombasa County, in support of the country's Blue Economy strategy.

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MV Doria will be used by the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) to patrol Kenya's territorial waters as the government steps up efforts in protecting, and effectively harnessing maritime resources.

"Kenya has great potential for growing the Blue Economy, which would immensely contribute to our GDP, as well as create more jobs," Kenyatta said on Monday.

"This can only be achieved if we put in the work, invest appropriately and fully harness our maritime resources."

Related: Joho present as Uhuru arrives for the major Guard Service launch

The Coast Guard will ensure that Kenya's ocean is no longer used for drug and human trafficking, illegal arms and illegal fishing.

 Kenyatta said it will guard against exploitation of natural resources by foreign countries and ensure that never again will a foreign vessel steal Kenya's fish.

 Speaking in Mombasa, Kenyatta "directed the National Land Commission and the Department of Fisheries to ensure that all fish landing sites at the Coast, at Lake Victoria, and other areas across the country are recovered and secured by the end of the first quarter of 2019."

Also present were host Governor Ali Hassan Joho, Deputy President William Ruto, Interior and Coordination Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala among others.