The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has launched the National Marine Spills Response Contingency Plan, a comprehensive framework designed to enhance the country’s readiness and capability to respond effectively to oil and hydrocarbon pollution in Kenyan waters.
Speaking during the launch at Pride Inn Paradise Resort in Mombasa, the Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Aden Millah, who represented Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho, said the plan marks a significant step in protecting the country’s marine resources.
“The launch of the National Marine Spills Response Contingency Plan is a major milestone in safeguarding our marine environment and securing the sustainability of the Blue Economy,” said Millah.
He explained that Kenya’s growing seaborne trade and major developments, including the expansion of the Port of Mombasa, the growth of Lamu and Kisumu ports, and the relocation of the Kipevu Oil Terminal, have increased maritime traffic and heightened the risk of oil spills.
The Plan ensures that Kenya remains compliant with the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (1990).
Under the Plan, KMA serves as the Competent Oil Spill Authority, mandated to coordinate national response efforts, outline roles of various actors, and guide the use of techniques and resources during pollution emergencies.
Millah highlighted the importance of strong partnerships, stating that oil spill management requires collaboration across government agencies and the private sector.
He commended the development of the Marine Spills Preparedness and Response Coordination Charter, which formalises cooperation among key stakeholders.
The PS also acknowledged the recent Marine Pollution Response and Preparedness Exercise (MASEPOLREX) 25 Regional Field Exercise, hosted by KMA, which tested regional readiness to handle large-scale pollution events.
He emphasised that preparedness must remain an ongoing effort supported through training, joint drills, and coordinated planning.
KMA Board Chairman, Ahmed Kolosh, congratulated the Authority for reaching the important milestone, noting that the Plan significantly strengthens Kenya’s national system for oil pollution preparedness and response.
Kolosh revealed that over the years, the Authority, in collaboration with the Oil Spill Mutual Aid Group, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Pipeline Company, the Norwegian Coastal Administration, and other partners, has trained approximately 1,000 responders in oil spill response.
“This clearly demonstrates the Authority’s strong commitment to strengthening human resource capacity for oil spill response in Kenya,” he said.
He explained that one of the Authority’s strategic goals is to ensure a clean marine environment, adding that the Authority continues to enhance its capacity to prevent and effectively respond to marine pollution incidents.
Kolosh expressed deep appreciation to Kenya’s partners in the preparation of the plan, including the World Bank, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Navy, Oil Spill Mutual Aid Group, and the Kingdom of Norway for their role in advancing Kenya’s marine pollution response capacity.
Geir Arne Schei, Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Norwegian Embassy, praised the partnership between Kenya and Norway, noting that the two countries are strengthening Blue Economy cooperation through a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding.
He added that the newly launched Plan will not only help in safeguarding Kenya’s ocean but also inland water bodies.
By Sitati Reagan
