Kenya’s Election as Chair of DCoC Working Group 3: Milestone for Regional Maritime Security

By Andrew Mwangura

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

On September 4, 2025, Kenya marked a significant milestone in its quest to strengthen maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean by being unanimously elected to chair the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) Working Group 3 on operational cooperation and coordination at sea.

The election, which took place during a workshop at the Serena Beach Resort and Spa in Shanzu, Mombasa County, signals not only Kenya’s growing stature as a regional leader but also the trust placed in it by the 20 signatory states of the DCoC to spearhead efforts in combating maritime threats.

This is Kenya’s moment to lead with vision, foster collaboration, and translate commitments into tangible actions that safeguard the region’s vital sea lanes.

The Djibouti Code of Conduct, adopted in 2009 and strengthened by the Jeddah Amendment in 2017, is a regional framework designed to counter piracy, armed robbery, and other illicit maritime activities in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.

These waters, critical to global trade, have long been plagued by threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, human trafficking, and smuggling.

The establishment of Working Group 3, focused on operational cooperation and coordination at sea, reflects the region’s recognition that no single nation can tackle these challenges alone.

Kenya’s election to chair this group is a testament to its commitment to regional security and its capacity to lead collaborative efforts.

Brigadier Mohamed Shemote, commander of the Kenya Navy Fleet, delivered a powerful acceptance speech on behalf of Major General Paul Otieno, emphasizing Kenya’s dedication to fostering inclusiveness, transparency, and collaboration.

His words underscored a critical truth: the strength of the DCoC lies in the diversity of experience and expertise among its member states.

Kenya, with its strategic coastal position and robust naval capabilities, is well-placed to harness this collective strength.

The unanimous election reflects confidence in Kenya’s leadership, particularly in light of its proactive role in regional maritime security initiatives and its hosting of the inaugural Working Group 3 workshop, organized with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Denmark, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and the Indian Ocean Commission.

The workshop’s outcomes—a adopted Terms of Reference, Concept of Operations, and a Roadmap for Working Group 3—set a clear path for operationalizing regional commitments.

These documents provide a framework for coordinated maritime operations, information sharing, and capacity building to address threats like maritime terrorism, smuggling, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Kenya’s role as chair will involve steering these efforts, ensuring that member states work in unison to secure the maritime domain. Djibouti’s election as deputy chair further strengthens this partnership, creating a balanced leadership structure to drive the group’s mandate forward.

Kenya’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment

The Western Indian Ocean remains a hotspot for maritime crimes, with evolving threats such as cyber-attacks, drone-based attacks on coastal installations, and climate-driven challenges complicating the security landscape.

The region’s economic stability depends heavily on secure sea lanes, which facilitate global trade and support industries like shipping, fishing, and tourism—key pillars of the blue economy.

Kenya’s commitment to operational coordination is not just about security; it is about safeguarding the economic prosperity and sustainable development of the region.

As Major General Otieno noted during the workshop, “No single nation can secure the seas alone.” This sentiment captures the essence of the DCoC’s collaborative spirit and Kenya’s role in fostering it.

The election also highlights Kenya’s growing diplomatic and operational influence.

By chairing Working Group 3, Kenya has an opportunity to shape the regional maritime security architecture. Its navy, alongside the Kenya Coast Guard Service, has been actively involved in capacity-building initiatives, supported by international partners like the European Union, Denmark, and Interpol.

These partnerships have bolstered Kenya’s maritime domain awareness and law enforcement capabilities, positioning it as a regional hub for training and coordination.

The upcoming DCoC High-Level Meeting in Mauritius from November 12 to 15, 2025, will provide Kenya with a platform to present a paper, alongside South Africa, to the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee, seeking international support for Working Group 3’s initiatives.

This is a chance to mobilize resources and ensure the sustainability of regional efforts.

However, Kenya’s leadership will not be without challenges. Coordinating 20 nations with diverse priorities and capacities requires deft diplomacy and unwavering commitment.

The evolving nature of maritime threats demands constant adaptation, from addressing traditional piracy to countering sophisticated crimes enabled by new technologies.

Kenya must also navigate the delicate balance of national sovereignty and regional cooperation, ensuring that all member states feel included in decision-making processes.

The success of Working Group 3 will depend on Kenya’s ability to translate strategic intent into actionable outcomes, such as joint patrols, shared intelligence networks, and harmonized legal frameworks.

The broader implications of Kenya’s chairmanship extend beyond security. A secure maritime domain is essential for unlocking the potential of the blue economy, which Kenya has prioritized as a driver of economic growth. By leading Working Group 3, Kenya can advocate for policies that promote sustainable fishing, protect marine ecosystems, and enhance trade routes, benefiting not only itself but the entire region.

The collaborative framework of the DCoC, underpinned by the Jeddah Amendment, aligns with Kenya’s vision of a prosperous and stable Indian Ocean region.

As Kenya takes the helm of Working Group 3, it carries the weight of regional expectations. Its unanimous election is a vote of confidence in its ability to lead with integrity and purpose.

The task ahead is daunting but achievable. By fostering unity, leveraging international partnerships, and prioritizing operational coordination, Kenya can help secure the Western Indian Ocean for generations to come.

This is not just a leadership role; it is a call to action for Kenya to cement its place as a guardian of regional stability and a champion of maritime security.

The Serena Beach Resort workshop may have concluded, but it marks the beginning of a new chapter in Kenya’s maritime legacy—one that promises safer seas and a stronger region.

The author is a policy analyst specializing in maritime governance and blue economy development.