Kenya Maritime Authority Confirms Detention of M/V Sea Mfalme in Tanzania

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has confirmed the detention of the Kenyan-flagged fishing vessel mv Sea Mfalme in Tanzania, with 13 crew members of different nationalities onboard.

The vessel is currently being held at Kilwa Port in Tanzania following the incident, as authorities work to establish how many of the seafarers are Kenyan nationals.

The authority alongside a multi-agency security team has launched investigations into the matter.

The vessel was impounded by Tanzanian authorities on March 31, 2026, under circumstances that remain unclear and are still under review by Kenyan officials.

In an official statement, KMA director general CPA Omae Nyarandi said the authority was actively engaging relevant agencies to resolve the situation.

“KMA is working closely with relevant government institutions and Tanzanian authorities to verify the circumstances surrounding the detention and to facilitate appropriate follow-up action,” he said.

In a separate press release issued on April 16, 2026, the authority reiterated that it acknowledged reports regarding the detention and was working closely with government agencies and maritime counterparts in both Kenya and Tanzania to verify the circumstances and facilitate appropriate follow-up actions.

KMA assured stakeholders that the matter was being handled through established intergovernmental and regulatory frameworks, adding that further communication will be issued as appropriate.

The authority reiterated its commitment to resolving the matter through diplomatic and regulatory channels.

“The authority remains committed to safeguarding the credibility of Kenya’s ship registry and ensuring adherence to applicable maritime standards,” the DG added.

The authority emphasized that it would continue to provide updates as more information becomes available and encouraged stakeholders seeking further clarification to reach out through its official communication channels.

The case has now drawn attention across multiple government agencies, with growing calls for diplomatic engagement between Nairobi and Dodoma to secure the release of the detained Kenya’s.