Kenya officially kicked off the MASEPOLREX25 Field Training Exercise today, a five-day initiative aimed at strengthening national and regional responses to marine oil pollution in the Western Indian Ocean.
In a speech delivered by Brigadier Mohammed Shemote, Commander of the Kenya Navy Fleet, on behalf of Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Hassan Ali Joho, Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its marine environment and advancing its blue economy.
The exercise, organized by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) in collaboration with the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), simulates a marine pollution incident under the frameworks of the IMO’s International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC 1990) and the Nairobi Convention’s Protocol on Combating Marine Pollution.
Running from July 7 to 11, MASEPOLREX25 aims to test Kenya’s National Oil Spill Response Contingency Plan and regional cooperation mechanisms outlined in the draft Regional Contingency Plan.
“This exercise presents a crucial opportunity for Kenya to test its national response systems and for our neighbours to enhance regional cooperation,” Joho’s speech noted, emphasizing the need for candid evaluations to identify areas for improvement.
Brigadier Mohammed Shemote, delivering CS Joho's speech during the opening ceremony of MASEPOLREX25 in Mombasa
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the Kenya–Tanzania border as a high-risk area for oil pollution due to its proximity to the busy ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam and a major tanker route to the Middle East.
“A significant oil pollution incident would have devastating impacts on our region’s blue economy and ecosystems,” he warned, referencing the 2020 MV Wakashio oil spill in Mauritius as a stark reminder of the stakes.
The exercise has two primary objectives: to activate Kenya’s national response system by mobilizing resources and to test regional and international cooperation through mutual assistance protocols.
Specific goals include improving alert systems, developing incident action plans, coordinating response operations, and addressing post-spill recovery and cost considerations.
CS Joho’s remarks underscored the importance of the blue economy to Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes sustainable growth and citizen welfare.
“The Kenya Maritime Authority remains central to this vision, serving as the regulator and developer of Kenya’s maritime sector, and a key driver of our Blue Economy strategy,” the speech stated.
Joho urged regional countries to strengthen national mechanisms and foster synergies to enhance collective preparedness.
The Cabinet Secretary called for MASEPOLREX25 to serve as a “springboard for concrete action,” advocating for clear commitments and renewed partnerships.
“The road ahead may be challenging, but with determination and collaboration, we can protect and preserve a clean and sustainable marine environment for generations to come,” the speech concluded.
The event, attended by state and non-state stakeholders, marks a significant step in operationalizing the Regional Maritime Security Architecture (RMSA).
More to follow..
