By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, June 09, 2026 - Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime safety and security through technology and regional cooperation during the opening of the 4th Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing (IORIS) Platform Steering Committee Meeting.
The meeting, jointly hosted by the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) and EU-CRIMARIO (Critical Maritime Routes Indo-Pacific), brought together maritime security stakeholders from across the Indo-Pacific region to discuss ways of enhancing information sharing, maritime domain awareness, and coordinated responses to security threats at sea.
Speaking during the opening session, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen said safe and secure oceans are essential for global trade, economic growth, and the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide.
"Open, safe and secure seas play an important role in regional and international trade, boosting global and national economies, and providing livelihoods for millions across the world," Murkomen said.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that maritime security has become increasingly important as countries seek to protect critical shipping routes, combat transnational crime, and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.
A major focus of the meeting was the continued development of the IORIS platform, a secure web-based system that enables real-time information sharing and operational coordination among maritime agencies.
According to organizers, the platform currently connects more than 150 agencies from 70 countries, allowing governments and maritime institutions to coordinate responses to incidents and security threats across the Indo-Pacific region.
The platform is a flagship initiative under the EU-funded CRIMARIO project, which aims to strengthen maritime safety and security through enhanced cooperation and information exchange.
During the meeting, officials highlighted the integration of Usalama Baharini, a mobile application developed by the Kenya Coast Guard Service in partnership with CRIMARIO, into the IORIS platform.
The application is designed to provide fishermen and coastal communities with critical safety and security information, improving communication between maritime authorities and sea users.
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Murkomen said the integration of the two technologies would strengthen Kenya's maritime surveillance capabilities while enhancing the safety of fishing communities.
"Through this integration of technologies, KCGS will leverage the fisherfolk in accessing critical security and safety information, enabling timely response to threats," he said.
The Kenya Coast Guard Service described the development as a significant step towards improving maritime safety and empowering coastal communities through digital solutions.
KCGS said the meeting underscores the growing importance of partnerships, innovation, and regional collaboration in addressing emerging maritime challenges, including piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, and environmental threats.
"Through partnerships, innovation and regional collaboration, KCGS remains committed to advancing maritime domain awareness and contributing to a safer, more secure and prosperous maritime environment," the agency said in a statement.
The meeting was attended by EU-CRIMARIO Director Martin Cauchi Inglott, KCGS Director General Bruno Shioso, and European Union Deputy Head of Delegation to Kenya Ondrej Simek, among other officials and maritime experts.
Kenya has increasingly positioned itself as a regional leader in maritime security, leveraging technology and international partnerships to safeguard its territorial waters and support the growth of the blue economy.
The IORIS Steering Committee meeting is expected to review progress made in information-sharing initiatives and identify new opportunities for strengthening maritime cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.