By Miraj Guo and Joyce kifalu | June 9, 2026
MOMBASA, Kenya — Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding regional waters and strengthening international maritime partnerships as it hosts a major maritime security forum bringing together experts and officials from across the Indo-Pacific region.
The three-day meeting, jointly organized by the European Union and the Kenya Coast Guard Service in Mombasa, has brought together maritime security practitioners, policymakers and stakeholders to explore ways of enhancing cooperation, improving information sharing and addressing emerging threats affecting international waters.
The forum comes at a time when maritime security has become increasingly critical to global trade and economic stability. With more than 80 percent of global trade transported by sea, officials noted that disruptions along key shipping routes have far-reaching implications for economies and supply chains worldwide.
Opening the meeting, participants emphasized the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean and Kenya’s role as a regional maritime gateway linking Africa with Asia, the Middle East and Europe. They noted that protecting sea lanes remains essential for ensuring uninterrupted trade and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Delegates warned that piracy, armed robbery at sea, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, smuggling and environmental crimes continue to threaten maritime security. Ongoing geopolitical conflicts and instability in various parts of the world, they said, have further highlighted the vulnerability of global shipping networks.
Officials underscored the need for stronger collaboration among nations and maritime agencies to effectively combat transnational threats. The European Union was praised for supporting Kenya’s maritime security efforts through various programmes aimed at enhancing surveillance capabilities, strengthening operational capacity and promoting real-time information sharing.
A major theme during the discussions was the growing role of technology in securing territorial waters and international shipping lanes. Participants noted that digital information-sharing platforms have significantly improved coordination among maritime agencies, enabling faster responses to security incidents and enhancing situational awareness.
The Kenya Coast Guard Service also used the forum to showcase the Usalama Baharini mobile application, an innovative platform developed to support fishermen and other users of the sea. The application provides safety information, emergency alerts and enables users to report incidents directly to authorities, thereby improving response times during emergencies.
Officials said the platform represents a key milestone in integrating technology into maritime safety and strengthening communication between coastal communities and security agencies.
Kenya reiterated its commitment to working closely with regional and international partners to ensure safe and secure oceans, noting that maritime security remains central to the country’s blue economy ambitions.
Participants were urged to build on existing partnerships and develop practical solutions to emerging challenges facing the maritime sector.
The meeting is expected to conclude with recommendations aimed at strengthening information-sharing mechanisms, enhancing cooperation among maritime institutions and promoting safer seas to support international trade, navigation and sustainable economic development.
