Training in Kenya to boost security planning for ports

Key maritime agencies in Kenya have upgraded their skills in port security planning, through a training workshop led by IMO in Mombasa (23-26 September).

Held at one of East Africa's busiest and most essential maritime hubs, the training involved 20 Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) and representatives from the Kenya Port Authority (KPA), Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS), and the Kenya Maritime Authority.

Participants learned how to develop and implement Port Facility Security Plans (PFSPs), equipping them with skills to help protect the Port of Mombasa from risks such as terrorism, smuggling, and piracy.

The workshop was followed by a full-day security awareness session for all port staff, to ensure that everyone understands their role in maintaining safety.

The training emphasized the importance of compliance with global security standards set out in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS, Chapter XI-2) and the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code. These regulations are crucial to ensure that maritime operations are protected, contributing to safer and more efficient trade routes.

The initiative will support Kenya's maritime authorities to strengthen essential measures to secure the country's gateway to global trade and support the sustainable management of marine resources.

This workshop is part of a larger EU-funded project that focuses on improving port security across nine countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. It aligns with Africa's 2050 Integrated Maritime Strategy, which promotes the sustainable use of marine resources while safeguarding important shipping routes from potential threats.