Maritime Authority to register, issue number plates to vessels in major water bodies

NAKURU,Kenya, May 27 – Vessels operating in major water bodies across the country are expected to undergo a registration exercise before being issued number plates in the latest move by the the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA).

The move according to KMA is geared towards combating illegal activities across the country’s major water bodies as well as the rising number of accidents.

The inter-agency exercise will also see the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) involved.

Some vessels are said to be operating with impunity particulalry in the Indian Ocean and Lake victoria.

“We have launched the registration exercise involving other agencies like NTSA, KWS and fisheries and any boat without a number plate will not be allowed into the lake,” said KMA Regional Manager Alex Mwongo.

The vessels in the exercise will undergo an inspection to validate their sea worthiness and safety then issued with special number plates.

A public participation exercise was held in Tarembete landing beach in Lake Naivasha conducted by the maritime authority and the Kenya Coast Guards Services (KCGS).

Runaway vessels involved in illegal activities are largely targeted in the exercise as recorded accidents have also been attributed to them.

“We welcome the arrival of the Coast Guards into the lake and the move by the Kenya Maritime Authority to issue number plates to fishermen is a major milestone as we will authenticate a lot of these vessels on our water bodies. The Coast guards are already in Lake Naivasha and under this exercise we shall be able to monitor which boats are illegally in the lake,” he said.

16,000 vessels are currently registered according to the last census by KMA.

“It is about time this exercise is being conducted,” Tarambete beach chairperson Rajab Omari said.

Fishermen in Naivasha have reported that gear worth millions have been stolen in the last one year.

“The closure of corridors leading to the lake and the rise in water hyacinth had adversely affected the fishing community that solely rely on the lake. Poacher are also making our lives a living hell, hopefully now things will change,” Omari added.