President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday launched the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) established under the Kenya Coast Guard Service Act, 2018.
The new security service is tasked with enforcing law and order in Kenya's territorial waters.
It is their role to protect Kenya’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone from exploitation and illegal invasion.
The exclusive economic zone refers to the area stretching 200 Nautical miles beyond Kenya’s territorial sea.
It is worth noting that the Coast Guard Service is not part of the navy.
The KCGS will also ensure that all vessels within their jurisdiction have the required licenses for their operations.
The President unveiled a vessel, MV Doria, that will be used for patrols by members of the new agency.
Trans-national security operations are also expected to be given a boost by the Coast Guard.
Among situations where the Coast Guard will be expected to step in are border disputes, illegal fishing, human and drug trafficking.
Others include degradation of the marine ecosystems, illicit trade, smuggling of contraband goods and sand harvesting.
