Lamu County maritime stakeholders, with the support of the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), recently convened a pivotal search and rescue (SAR) workshop. This initiative was designed to bolster coordination, communication, and preparedness among the key agencies tasked with ensuring maritime safety in the region. The workshop, aptly themed “Understanding the System and Establishing a Common Ground,” aimed to foster a collaborative environment among various stakeholders. It brought together a diverse group of 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), Lamu Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Office, Immigration Office, and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), among others.
The event was officially inaugurated by Lamu County Chief of Staff Abdulnassir, who underscored the necessity for robust multi-agency collaboration in addressing maritime disasters. He emphasized the importance of utilizing the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to establish a unified command structure, which is crucial for effective disaster response. The workshop featured interactive “show and tell” presentations, allowing participants to engage directly with each other and share insights. This format was intended to strengthen collaboration and develop a cohesive framework for effective maritime response and preparedness.
A highlight of the workshop was the participation of Shee Kupi Shee, a Global Maritime SAR Champion and International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Award Winner. Shee shared valuable experiences drawn from international best practices, stressing the critical role of coordination, collaboration, and the effective communication of early warning systems as essential tools in saving lives during 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.” He noted that the Lamu SAR workshop exemplifies this theme by focusing on preparedness through training, coordination, and equipment investment. “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 its partners for spearheading the initiative.
The workshop concluded with a strong commitment from all maritime and disaster management actors to enhance Lamu’s capacity in early warning systems, coordinated rescue operations, and sustainable maritime safety systems. This renewed dedication is expected to significantly improve the region's ability to respond to maritime emergencies, ultimately safeguarding lives and property along Lamu's vital waterways.
