By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, June 23, 2026 - The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has given a seven-day ultimatum to shipping companies operating in the country to comply with the new registration and licensing requirements.
In a notice, the authority’s Director General Omae Nyarandi said that foreign shipping lines in the country should ensure that they obtain the requisite registration Certificate, while local shipping lines shall be required to obtain an operating license from the authority.
Any shipping operator that will be caught operating without the necessary documentation shall be subjected to sanctions and other enforcement measures. The new regulations are under the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Transport Operators) Regulations, 2024.
"In this regard, the Authority hereby notifies all maritime transport operators to ensure full compliance with this mandatory requirement,” the Authority stated.
“All affected operators are therefore directed to regularise their registration and licensing status with the Authority within seven (7) days from the date of this notice,” it added.
The notice came after the authority confirmed that it is closely monitoring M.V.DAN, IMO No.841510, which has been grounded off Nyali beach for over a month after drifting off course on May 17 when on its way from Tanga, Tanzania.
In a statement, the authority confirmed that the vessel’s hull integrity remains intact, with no evidence of structural failure or leakage. The authority has also assured that the possibility of environmental pollution from the incident remains minimal.
According to the authority, the vessel owners, SLA Maritime Co. S.A, are collaborating with the relevant authorities to ensure that the vessel is refloated. Plans are underway to take advantage of the next favourable spring tide period on or about 1 July, with the owners mobilising the necessary equipment and resources to ensure the safe evacuation of the ship.
“The Authority further confirms that a multi-agency team comprising the Authority, Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Navy, Kenya Ports Authority, and other relevant stakeholders continues to monitor the vessel and coordinate response efforts,” KMA stated.
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