Murkomen opens Indo-Pacific maritime security meeting in Mombasa
By Sharon Atieno, June 9, 2026Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has opened the 4th Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing Platform (IORIS) Steering Committee meeting in Mombasa, urging stronger global cooperation to secure sea routes and boost maritime trade.
Speaking in Mombasa during the IORIS Steering Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 9,2026, Murkomen said Kenya was honoured to host delegates from different countries, describing the gathering as a homecoming for partners working towards safer and more secure oceans.
“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 role in maritime security
Murkomen underscored Kenya’s position along the Indian Ocean, noting that the country sits at the heart of global maritime trade routes that must be protected from emerging threats.
“This is a laudable convergence of like minds and stakeholders with a common purpose for secure and safer seas to deliberate and make critical decisions on how to manage and cooperate on the governance of our shared commons,” he said.
He warned that threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, armed robbery at sea and environmental pollution continue to endanger global trade and security.
“This ought to be stopped. It is for this reason that proactive collaborations and partnerships such as the current interaction are critical,” he added.
He warned that disruptions in maritime routes, including global crises affecting the Middle East, demonstrate how interconnected global economies depend on secure seas.
Push for technology-driven security
The Interior CS highlighted Kenya’s collaboration with the European Union through the CRIMARIO programme, saying it has strengthened maritime surveillance and inter-agency coordination.
He noted that agencies including the Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Maritime Authority are now part of the IORIS information-sharing network.
Murkomen also pointed to the development of the USALAMA BAHARINI mobile application, which integrates with IORIS to improve real-time communication with fishing communities and enhance response to security threats at sea.
Kenya open for global cooperation
Murkomen said Kenya remains committed to working with international partners to safeguard freedom of navigation and promote secure maritime trade routes.
He encouraged delegates attending the three-day meeting in Mombasa to strengthen networks, share lessons and build long-term cooperation in addressing maritime challenges.
Beyond the formal sessions, he also invited visitors to experience Kenya’s coastal tourism, describing Mombasa as a gateway city with rich culture, beaches and wildlife attractions nearby.
Murkomen officially declared the meeting open, expressing confidence that the discussions would contribute to safer and more secure seas globally.