Over the past weeks, the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) has held a series of community engagement events across all coastal counties, marking a significant step in its mission to strengthen relationships with local communities. This initiative, particularly aimed at those involved in the fishing industry, seeks to enhance safety and security along Kenya's coastal waters.
"This is one of our greatest days whereby we set to engage the people that we serve as Kenya Coast Guard Service," says Lt. Lawrence Mwenda, Head of the Joint Operations Center at KCGS, emphasizing the importance of this engagement.
The community engagement days highlight the transformation in the way KCGS interacts with local communities, particularly those involved in the fishing industry. "At first, our relationship with the Coast Guard wasn't actually that good,” tells Charles Nyale Janji, Chairperson of the Kilifi County Beach Management Unit (BMU) Network. “When the Coast Guard came to realize that they are getting it rough in attending their duties, they came up with a method of community approach. Now, they are also part of us."
One of the key initiatives discussed during the community engagement days was the introduction of the Usalama Baharini mobile application, developed by KCGS with the technical support of the Go Blue Project, and funded by the European Union. “This app facilitates the communication between the Kenya Coast Guard Service and the local community”, explains Lt. Mwenda. With a simple interface, the Usalama Baharini app aims to become a game changer, allowing for quick reporting and response in cases of distress at sea.
The event also showcased the success of KCGS’s safety training programs, which have empowered local Beach Management Units (BMUs) to act as first responders during maritime emergencies. "In case of any distress in our waters, the BMUs are the first responders. Most of their members have already been trained on safety training for fishers, they respond and save lives before we arrive," explains Sub Lt. Susan Mtakai, Head of the Search and Rescue and Diving Unit at KCGS.
By fostering these partnerships, the KCGS is not only enhancing safety along Kenya's coastline but also ensuring that local communities are actively involved in protecting their own livelihoods. The community engagement days are a testament to the positive impact collaborative efforts can have on both community well-being and maritime security.
Click the link below to watch a video clip on the KCGS community engagement days: