Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in shipping and maritime affairs while hosting the 12th Extraordinary Meeting of the Coordination Committee of the Maritime Organization of Eastern, Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean (MOESNA) in Mombasa.
Shipping and Maritime Affairs PS Aden Abdi Millah said the meeting provided an important platform for member states to align their strategic priorities and strengthen cooperation in advancing the region’s blue economy and maritime sector.
Millah noted that bringing MOESNA member states together in Mombasa, Kenya’s historic coastal hub, demonstrated the importance of collective action in addressing shared maritime opportunities and challenges, while unlocking the potential of the blue economy.
The meeting focused on transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening the region’s maritime landscape, with significant progress made on the proposed Regional Maritime University.
The proposed institution was highlighted as a strategic investment in the region’s young people and human capital, with the potential to strengthen maritime education, training, research and technical expertise across member states.
The meeting also made progress on the proposed Regional Maritime Cabotage Protocol, which is expected to contribute to increased intra-regional trade, improved shipping services and enhanced maritime connectivity among member states.
The PS said Kenya’s hosting of the meeting underscored the country’s commitment to promoting regional economic integration, creating sustainable employment opportunities and strengthening Africa’s voice in global shipping and maritime affairs.
He said the outcomes of the meeting had laid a strong foundation for the upcoming MOESNA Assembly of Ministers scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where member states will continue deliberations on initiatives, aimed at promoting shared prosperity and sustainable economic development across the region.
Kenya’s continued engagement within MOESNA reflects its broader commitment to leveraging shipping and maritime affairs as drivers of regional trade, skills development, employment creation and sustainable economic growth.
By Justus Anzaya
