Japan gives Kenya Sh87 million to enhance maritime security

Japan will give Sh87 million to the International Peace Support Training Centre to improve its capacity and increase Kenya’s capacity in maritime security.  Part of this support will be used for Kenya Coast Guard service.

Japan Ambassador to Kenya Horie Ryoichi announced this on Friday when he virtually attended the closing ceremony of the strategic maritime security and blue economy course.

The course is part of Japan’s support for the development of the blue economy in Kenya.

In a statement on Friday, Japan Embassy said the country has been playing a pivotal role in enhancing the capacity of Kenyan maritime security.

Ambassador Horie said since 2009, Japan has supported more than 100 courses at IPSTC.

“The reason Japan has prioritised maritime security and undertaken to extend support in this area is because we know how important oceans are for a country’s prosperity,” he said.  

“Japan`s support through IPSTC has been implemented through the UN since 2009, a total of more than 100 courses and 5,000 students have been trained. Japan previously supported and continues to support research and training on Disaster Risk Reduction, Conflict Prevention, Countering Violent Extremism and Maritime Security and Blue Economy,” he added.

Ambassador Horie in his speech mentioned “Free and Open Indo-Pacific“, in which Japan aims to promote stability and prosperity of the international community by improving the connectivity of Asia and Africa through free and open oceans.

“Kenya is one of the focal points in this strategy due to its geostrategic location as a gateway for East Africa and its proximity to Japan in terms of values such as democracy and the rule of law.

"Sharing those values, Japan and Kenya co-hosted the first Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi in 2018,” he said.

The Peace Support Training Centre was established in January 2001 as part of the Kenyan Defence Staff College. It trains police and civilian personnel in peace support operations

The event was attended by among others, Director Humanitarian Peace Support School Colonel Magahanga, Major GeneralArap Rob（Mentor IPSTC） and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Madam Mandisa.