Deputy Commander Kenya Navy (KN), Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa, recently represented the Kenya Navy Commander at the 7th High-Level Meeting on Implementing the Jeddah Amendment to the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC), held from 28 to 30 November 2024 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The three-day meeting concentrated on advancing maritime security in the western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden—regions vital to global trade and regional stability.
Kenya showcased its leadership as it headed the sub-working group on Illegal Trade in Wildlife and Other Items. This focus aligns with the nation’s broader strategy to combat transnational crimes impacting national, maritime, and environmental security.
Brigadier Kiswaa engaged in discussions on enhancing the regional information-sharing network and underscored the critical role of navies in addressing dynamic maritime threats. The forum emphasized fostering collaboration and capacity-building to effectively respond to evolving security challenges.
A key agenda item was the development of a Regional Maritime Security Strategy (RMSS) to address emerging issues, including illegal fishing and human trafficking. Kenya advocated for establishing National Maritime Information Sharing Centres (NMISCs) and emphasized the importance of regional capacity-building initiatives to improve maritime domain awareness and operational coordination.
Discussions also included updates on the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea security dynamics, highlighting concerns such as terrorism, oil spillage, and other maritime threats.
As a signatory to the DCoC and its Jeddah Amendment, Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to fostering regional maritime security. Its active participation underscored a commitment to shaping a secure maritime environment in the Horn of Africa, enhancing regional cooperation, and safeguarding global trade.
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