Upon consultations, the seafarers informed the KMA that they had not been paid for eight months and had reported their situation to the Harbour Master in the Port of Daqm, Oman.
The vessel, which departed Tanga on July 30, 2024, was carrying 17 crew members, two passengers, and a cargo of anointing oil.
One of the most major reforms planned is the Cabotage Regulations 2024, which will prohibit foreign ships from doing local trade in Kenyan seas unless they are licensed under these regulations.
The residents argue that KMA has done little to improve their lives and they believe that merging the two entities would lead to better job opportunities and overall development for the local community.
Kenya's PS Geoffrey Kaituko highlighted the government's strategic policies in maritime and fisheries sectors, including the establishment of integrated ministries focused on the blue economy.
The Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing (IORIS) platform facilitates coordination and information exchange for effective response to maritime security threats and supports sustainable fisheries.
The regulations under Port State Control establish a structure for enforcing requirements for ship safety, pollution avoidance, shipboard living, and working conditions.
CS Mvurya says the government wants to have clear and concise statistical data of vessels plying within Kenya's water bodies, as well as ascertain operational conditions.
Questions surrounding the mismanagement of funds at the KMA have raised concerns, prompting MPs to insist on thorough explanations from the MD and other staff.
Authorities in Mombasa are currently investigating a powerful explosion that occurred on an oil vessel stationed near the African Marine Terminal in Liwatoni, Likoni. The blast, felt as far as two kilometers away, ignited a fire causing significant damage to sections of the ship known as East Wind II.
Munga has a Masters Degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from Bremen University of Applied Sciences.