NAIROBI (Halbeeg News) – Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta has today launched the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) in Mombasa.
During the launch, President Uhuru also commissioned MV Doria, the vessel that will be used by the Service to patrol the country’s territory along the Indian Ocean.
Speaking at the event, President Uhuru said the Coast Guard service will help increase efficiency in the protection of maritime resources.
“It will enforce security, safety, and protection of Kenya’s maritime resources,” said Uhuru.
The President appointed Brigadier Vincent Loonena as the pioneer director general of the Kenya Coast Guard Service last Thursday.
Loonena will oversee the protection of the country’s waters against dumping of harmful wastes and pollutants, search and rescue services, and the arrest of illegal fishermen.
The service comprises personnel from the police, army and intelligence services and civilian professionals seconded from the Public Service Commission.
The special force will be headquartered at the Liwatoni Fisheries Complex in Mombasa but will have a strong presence at the Mombasa, Lamu and Kisumu ports.
The launch comes as the East African Nation plans to host the two-day sustainable blue economy conference.
The two-day meeting will bring together over 7,000 participants from around the world to discuss how to sustainably maximize on the blue economy for development.
Blue Economy is a new frontier for development as the region moves to tap into the productive capacity of water resources and empower communities in a sustainable way.
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