The European Union (EU) has officially donated five search and rescue (SAR) boats to enhance Kenya’s capacity to respond to maritime emergencies.
The donation is part of the EU-funded Go Blue project, aimed at improving maritime safety and responding effectively to incidents along Kenya’s coastline.
During the handover event in Mombasa, EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger emphasized the importance of these vessels, which include two large and three smaller boats equipped with advanced navigation technology.
These vessels will be stationed strategically along key coastal points, ensuring quicker and more precise responses to emergencies at sea.
“By investing in modern equipment and capacity-building for key personnel, we are ensuring that more lives can be saved in emergencies at sea,” Geiger stated.
The handover symbolizes a significant collaboration among various Kenyan agencies, including the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), the Kenya Coast Guard Service, and the Kenya Red Cross, all of which have undergone intensive training to operate the new boats.
Julius Koech, acting director general of the KMA, declared the donation a “game changer” for maritime safety in Kenya. “With these resources, we are better equipped to ensure swift and coordinated responses to any distress at sea,” Koech asserted.
The Go Blue initiative reflects a long-term commitment by the EU and Kenya to promote maritime safety and advance the Blue Economy agenda, ensuring the safety of both local communities and international maritime traffic.
