A delegation undertaking the Regional Policy on Port Security and Safety of Navigation in the East Africa–Southern Africa–Indian Ocean (EA-SA-IO) Region Country Mission today paid a courtesy call on me at my office as the mission officially commenced in Kenya. The delegation is led by Dr. Michele Stallone, Regional Coordinator for the EU Port Safety Programme (PSP), alongside Mr. William Azuh (Marine/Port Operations) and Mr. Mourad Ghorbel (Maritime Information Systems Network). Running from 28 September to 2 October 2026 across Nairobi and Mombasa, the mission seeks to incorporate Kenya’s legal, regulatory, institutional, human resource, and technical capacities in port security and safety of navigation, while gathering stakeholder views to inform the development of the Regional Policy. Throughout the week, the team will engage key maritime, security, and environmental agencies, including the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Defence Forces/Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS), and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), among other state agencies. The mission will culminate in a National Consultation Workshop in Mombasa on 2 October 2026, bringing together stakeholders to review and validate preliminary findings, identify national priorities, and provide recommendations to shape the Regional Policy. This Regional Policy is intended to support strengthened port security, safety of navigation, inter-agency coordination, regional information sharing, and maritime data systems across the EA-SA-IO region. In welcoming the delegation, I expressed Kenya's pleasure in participating in an initiative aimed at strengthening our region’s collective capacity to secure ports, enhance safety of navigation, and foster deeper cooperation among maritime and security agencies. Kenya recognizes that maritime security and safety of navigation are shared regional responsibilities requiring stronger coordination, information exchange, and the development of effective systems and policies. We welcome this mission and the opportunity it provides to share our experiences, identify areas requiring further strengthening, and contribute to a regional policy that responds directly to the realities and priorities of our member states. Our ports and maritime corridors play a vital role in regional and international trade, making port security, safe navigation, and effective maritime information management indispensable components of Kenya's economic and national security framework. These consultations provide a valuable opportunity for Kenya to highlight its existing capacities while identifying strategic areas where regional collaboration can deliver greater impact. To achieve this, a coordinated, whole of government approach remains critical effective maritime security requires seamless collaboration between port authorities, maritime regulators, security forces, customs, environmental agencies, and all key stakeholders.