Lamu Maritime Stakeholders Strengthen Coordination in Search and Rescue Operations

By The COAST Reporter

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Lamu County maritime stakeholders with support from the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) held a search and rescue (SAR) workshop aimed at enhancing coordination, communication, and preparedness among key agencies involved in maritime safety.

The workshop, held under the theme “Understanding the System and Establishing a Common Ground,” brought together representatives from the Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard Service, National Government Administration Office, Fisheries Department, Beach Management Units (BMUs), Department of Public Service Management, Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Redcross, Lamu EOC Office, Immigration office and the KWS, among others.

The workshop was officially opened by the Lamu County chief of staff Abdulnassir who called for a proper collaboration of multi-agency in tackling maritime disasters, and called on stakeholders to make use of the EOC for a proper unified command.

Participants engaged in interactive “show and tell” presentations to strengthen collaboration and develop a common framework for effective maritime response and preparedness.

Speaking during the session, Shee Kupi Shee, a Global Maritime SAR Champion and IMRF Award Winner, shared experiences from international best practices and emphasized the importance of coordination, collaboration, and proper communication of early warning systems as lifesaving tools in maritime emergencies.

In his opening remarks, Shee linked the workshop to this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disaster,” noting that the Lamu SAR workshop is a practical execution of that clarion call.

“By investing in preparedness through training, coordination, and equipment, we are truly funding resilience, not waiting to fund disaster response,” he remarked, applauding KMA and partners for spearheading the initiative.

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from all maritime and disaster management actors to strengthen Lamu’s capacity in early warning, coordinated rescue, and sustainable maritime safety systems.