Page 11 - Kenya Report

• Human Resource and Operations Programme: providing appropriate equipment and skills
to motivate personnel to fast track monitoring and ensure proper operations of institutions
involved in management and conservation of the mangrove ecosystem.

• Research and Education Programme: supporting all the other programmes by providing
information and intervention activities through research, training and education. Country Profile

Seagrass and Coral Reef Management The Republic of Kenya
Kenya has fast tracked the management and conservation of the sea grass and coral reef ecosystem
through a number of policies including the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans and Policy,
the National Coral Reef and Sea Grass Ecosystem Conservation and Management Strategy (2014-
2018), and the participation of communities in coastal ecosystem management and conservation
through the Community Conservation Areas (CCA).

Kenya began the long term monitoring of coral reef in 1987; and this constitutes part of the Global
Coral Reef Monitoring Network. The monitoring sites fall into two categories, namely, within the
protected areas and the unprotected areas. The protected areas include the Malindi Marine National
Park, Mombasa Marine National Park, Watamu Marine National Park and the Kisite Marine National
Park. The unprotected sites include the Vipindo reefs and the Diani Marine National Park. Various
stakeholders at the national levels, namely, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Kenya Marine
and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Coastal Oceans
Research and Development (CORDIO) East Africa.

Supporting legal and institutional framework
Kenya Maritime Authority Act, No. 5 of 2006 establishes the Kenya Maritime Authority which
has oversight over Kenya’s maritime industry. Among its duties are localization and implementation
of international conventions, pollution control, preservation of the marine environment, trade and
investment, maritime safety and security. The Merchant Shipping Act, 2009 has enhanced delivery of
services by the Authority in these areas.

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) is established by the Kenya Maritime Authority Act. The Authority
exercise regulatory oversight over the Marine Industry by implementing the co-ordination of maritime
security; inspecting ships to ensure maritime safety and prevent pollution; overseeing the recruitment,
training and welfare of seafarers; ensuring collaboration with various stakeholders; undertaking
maritime research and surveys; and maintaining and administering register of ships. All foreign
vessels arriving at the Mombasa port are inspected by Kenya Marine Authority in compliance with
the Indian Ocean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control. Inspection is necessary to
ensure marine safety, compliance with regulations and protection of the marine environment.

The Kenya Maritime Authority also oversees the operation of the Regional Maritime Rescue
Coordination Centre (also called Mombasa Information Sharing Centre) which provides a platform
for seafarers to call for help whenever in distress

The Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, No. 8 of 1999 ensures management
of the environment including the coastal zones. The Act grants the Cabinet Secretary the power

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