Sh 3.2b maritime centre opened to bolster search and rescue efforts

BY ABYGAEL SAMBA AND MICHELLE WANGA (PCO) 

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has unveiled a Sh3.2-billion maritime rescue center to enhance the provision of optimal and efficient search and rescue services within the Lake Victoria region and other inland water bodies. 

KMA’s Director General, Eng. Martin Dzombo Munga, stated that the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre will ensure the safety of navigation, secure water transportation, and promote economic activities. 

“The Lake Victoria Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre reaffirms the government’s commitment to reviving the Blue Economy sector, enhancing maritime safety, and strengthening search and rescue (SAR) operations for communities that depend on the lake for their livelihoods,” Eng. Dzombo said. 

He noted that an estimated 5,000 people die in the lake every year, citing numerous cases of vessels capsizing and deaths due to unfavorable weather and drowning.

Eng. Dzombo mentioned that KMA plans to build five search and rescue centers in Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, and Busia counties to facilitate prompt coordination of search and rescue operations, ultimately saving the lives of those who depend on the lake for their daily livelihoods. 

The Director General said, “The centre will coordinate rescue operations on the lake in collaboration with Uganda and Tanzania as the government moves to revive transport links between the three countries through the lake.” 

KMA’s Director of Maritime Safety, Eng. Julius Koech, added, “The project will ensure safe and secure water transportation, enhance the GSM network across the entire lake region, dispatch resources that will pinpoint the exact origin of a distress call, and improve communication technology, including a toll-free line to enable the public to promptly relay distress calls.” 

Eng. Koech also stated that the Authority will first ensure that all vessels in the Lake Region are inspected for safety, confirming that they are equipped with life-saving appliances such as life jackets.