Kenya Takes Center Stage at the 7th High-Level Meeting for Djibouti Code of Conduct in Dar es Salaam
Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden at the 7th High-Level Meeting of the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCOC) held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Principal Secretary for the State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Geoffrey Kaituko, delivered a key statement on behalf of Kenya, addressing the theme of this year’s conference, “Enhancing Maritime Security in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.”
The Djibouti Code of Conduct, adopted in 2009 and revised in 2017 through the Jeddah Amendment, brings together 21 states that are united in their efforts to combat piracy and other illicit maritime crimes in the region. Kaituko emphasized Kenya’s unwavering dedication to supporting the code’s objectives, which seek to enhance cooperation and strengthen the ability of countries in the region to combat maritime insecurity.
“We are proud of the strides we’ve made in ensuring safe and secure maritime activities in the region,” said Kaituko. “Kenya remains fully committed to working with other nations to tackle piracy, human trafficking, and other maritime crimes that threaten the safety of our seas.”
Following the conference, Kaituko led the Kenyan delegation in a successful meeting with the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), HE Arsenio Dominguez. The delegation included Brigadier John Sankale, Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy, Major (Rtd) George Okong’o, Head of Maritime Casualty and Security, and Ian Kanyi, the representative of the Director General of the Kenya Maritime Authority. The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration between Kenya and the IMO, strengthening maritime security infrastructure, and ensuring that Kenya remains a key player in maritime safety.
The Djibouti Code of Conduct remains a critical framework for regional cooperation on maritime security. Since its inception, it has fostered dialogue and partnership among coastal nations, contributing to the reduction of piracy and ensuring safer maritime trade routes in the region.
Kenya’s active role in this initiative underscores its strategic position in the region and its ongoing efforts to combat maritime threats, which remain a significant concern for the global shipping industry. As the conference concluded, there was a renewed sense of optimism and commitment among the 21 states involved in the DCOC, with Kenya standing out as a leader in the fight for safer and more secure seas.
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