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Korea, Kenya forge partnership to boost maritime, fisheries sectors

Kenya's Principal Secretary for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Geoffrey Kaituko and Korean Vice Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Song Myung-dal at the Sejong Government Complex on March 12, 2024. (Photo: PS Fishing)

By Farhiya Hussein | Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Kenya's PS Geoffrey Kaituko highlighted the government's strategic policies in maritime and fisheries sectors, including the establishment of integrated ministries focused on the blue economy.

High-level discussions between Korea and Kenya have sparked a new era of cooperation in the maritime and fisheries sectors.

Deliberations held at the Sejong Government Complex on Tuesday, between Kenya's Principal Secretary for Maritime Affairs Geoffrey Kaituko and Fisheries and Korean Vice Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Song Myung-dal, underscored mutual interests in the two sectors.

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The talks emphasised on several key points, including expanding maritime education and training, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency, enhancing maritime security, combating Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) Fishing, and addressing piracy attacks within their respective coastal regions.

Vice Minister Song expressed keen interest in an international boarding practice programme in Kenya and highlighted Korea's policy for training marine engineers.

Recognising Kenya's pivotal role in fisheries cooperation, he emphasised initiatives exclusive to Kenya, such as securing small-scale fishing port infrastructure within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters.

Extensive collaboration

Both parties proposed extensive collaboration across various fields, reaffirming their commitment to maritime and fishing activities.

Vice Minister Song extended an invitation to Kenya to participate in a side event of the upcoming Korea-Africa Summit in June, aiming to bolster cooperation comprehensively.

In response, Kenya's PS Geoffrey Kaituko highlighted the government's strategic policies in maritime and fisheries sectors, including the establishment of integrated ministries focused on the blue economy.

“This integrated approach reflects Kenya's recognition of the importance of maritime administration and fisheries management,” he said.

The convergence of the two ministries with similar founding histories was deemed significant by Vice Minister Song, who expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation between the two countries in maritime, fisheries, and port operations.

He emphasised the meeting's potential to serve as a catalyst for deeper collaboration.

“The discussions culminated in the agreement to finalise three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding collaboration in sustainable exploitation of maritime and fisheries resources and opportunities. Korea pledged to provide technical support to Kenya, marking a crucial step in preparations for the forthcoming Republic of Korea and Africa Summit in June,” said PS Kaituko.