Kenya has called for more cooperation with China in maritime matters saying there is a need for technological transfer and people-to-people cooperation.
This comes two months after a Chinese vessel rescued three of four Kenyans who went missing after going on a fishing expedition in the Indian Ocean and were stranded for 22 days at sea.
KCGS director general Bruno Shioso said on November 30 they received information that the four fishermen Hans Barak Killieney, Fahad Ali Mohamed, Akida Idd Mohamed and one Ibrahim, who were scheduled to return ashore on December 2 had gone missing.
In a letter dated January 19, the Shioso lauded the Chinese Overseas Fisheries Association, owners of the Chinese long-line fishing vessel Luqingyuanyu 108, licensed by Tanzania Fisheries Authority, for rescuing three of the four.
“The captain on a gesture of humanity, coordinated their rescue on board the vessel Luqingyuanyu 108, and provided food water and accommodation,” Shioso said.
The captain then contacted the fishing vessel company headquarters in Beijing, China, who then set up a connection with their local partner in Kenya, Sam Maina, who collaborated and coordinated with the KCGS and the captain of the vessel to successfully rescue the three.
The three were then handed over to their families on December 27, in the presence of Mining, Fisheries and Blue Economy CS Salim Mvurya.
“I, therefore, take this opportunity on behalf of the Kenya Coast Guard Service to appreciate the good gesture of the captain and seas and the China Overseas Fisheries Association, and through the coordination of their local agent in Kenya, which led to the rescue of the Kenyan fishermen, hence saving lives,” Shioso wrote.
Kenya has invested in the blue economy and the long Kenya coastline plays a vital role in the relatively new sector.
China’s blue economy is more advanced than Kenya and knowledge and technological transfer will benefit Kenya.
China and Kenya have been enjoying bilateral relations for over 60 years now, with education, construction and other sectors giving Kenyans a chance to get Chinese knowledge and vice versa.
Last week, the Kenya-China Alumni Association also called for more collaboration between Kenya and China in the education sector saying young people eager to get knowledge are best placed to enhance relations.
Kenya-China Alumni Association chairman Henry Rotich said the people-to-people collaboration promotes better understanding between the two nations.
“The presence of Chinese-educated alumni in Kenya has played a role in fostering understanding and collaboration. They have pursued higher education in China, creating a bridge of cultural exchange and knowledge transfer,” Rotich said.
