The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has acquired three new boats to be used in Kisumu, Lamu and Mombasa.
This is to enhance its surveillance role of the Kenyan waters to boost maritime safety and security.
The launch of the Authority’s search and rescue boat for the Lake region is planned for Friday (April 29) at the Kisumu Pier.
Expected to grace the launch is James Macharia, the Cabinet Secretary Transport and Infrastructure.
KMA customer services officer Michelle Wanga said also expected is the Principal Secretary, Shipping and Maritime Affairs Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Nancy Karigithu.
“Kisumu County Governor Jack Ranguma, County Commissioner John Elungata and other important stakeholders in the maritime sector are also expected,” she said.
Ms Wanga said the key functions of KMA as the regulator of the country’s maritime affairs is to establish and strengthen the regulatory and institutional capacities needed to deal with among other issues maritime safety and security at inland and coastal waters.
“In view of the significant role these search and rescue boats will play in addressing the past security and safety challenges in the waters, the initiative and indeed the Kisumu launch is an important milestone for KMA,” she said.