Murkomen calls for regional cooperation to tackle maritime security threats
By Faith Lagat, June 9, 2026Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for enhanced collaboration among regional and international partners to address emerging maritime security threats, saying secure seas are critical for global trade and economic stability.
Speaking on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, during the opening of the 4th Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing Platform (IORIS) Steering Committee High-Level Meeting in Mombasa, Murkomen said Kenya remains strategically positioned along the Indian Ocean and plays a key role in safeguarding maritime routes.
“It’s with great honour and personal joy that I stand before this esteemed gathering, welcoming you all to our great nation, Kenya. As we always say, this is not just a welcome, but a welcome back home,” he said.
Kenya highlights strategic role in Indo-Pacific maritime security
Murkomen said Kenya lies at the centre of key global trade routes, making maritime security both a national and international priority. He cited ongoing threats including piracy, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, armed robbery at sea, and environmental pollution, warning that such challenges continue to evolve and disrupt maritime safety.
He noted that global disruptions, particularly recent instability in the Middle East, have demonstrated the vulnerability of interconnected supply chains. “This ought to be stopped. It is for this reason that proactive collaborations and partnerships such as the current interaction are critical,” he said.
The CS highlighted Kenya’s participation in the EU-CRIMARIO initiative, which supports maritime safety through enhanced information sharing and coordination. The IORIS platform connects more than 150 agencies across 70 countries, enabling real-time operational communication among maritime authorities.
Murkomen also pointed to the USALAMA BAHARINI mobile application, which integrates with IORIS to improve communication with fishing communities and strengthen response to incidents at sea. Agencies including the Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Ports Authority, and Kenya Maritime Authority are already part of the system.
Blue economy opportunities and regional maritime cooperation
Murkomen’s remarks came as President William Ruto announced that Norwegian maritime company Wilhelmsen will recruit 1,000 Kenyan seafarers, a move seen as part of efforts to expand opportunities in the blue economy.
The CS reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to freedom of navigation and secure trade routes, urging delegates to strengthen networks and share best practices during the conference. He said sustained cooperation would be key to addressing emerging threats and improving maritime governance.
He also encouraged participants to experience Mombasa’s coastal attractions, including its beaches and wildlife sites, describing the city as a gateway to East Africa. Murkomen said outcomes from the meeting are expected to enhance maritime safety across the Indo-Pacific region and support global trade security.