The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has embarked on training shippers and other maritime members on how to handle oils spills and other cases of pollution in the sea. The training also aimed at teaching on effective action to limit the damage that may result from oil pollution in the Lamu Indian Ocean and other places along the Coast region.
Namely, as stated by George Okong’o, KMA Director General, Lamu Country experiences an increase in activities both in shipping industry and petroleum market. That’s why, the training took place in order to equip locals with knowledge on dealing with oil spills.
According to local sources, the petroleum activities both offshore and onshore have already resulted to risks for pollution incidents on waters.
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Mr Okong’o supported shippers and the public to protect sea life and water and make sure of preserving the marine environment from shipping activities.
He continued stating that the marine environment has been many time faced with hazardous threats, such as oil pollution incidents involving ships, sea ports and oil handling facilities.
In addition, Okong’o highlighted that in favour of preventing oil spills and protecting the environment, Kenya Maritime Authority along with other stake holders developed the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.
Also, the Contingency Plan aims to provide a framework in KMA and other government agencies to respond in oil spill emergencies if they occur.
Finally, the objective of the training is to improve knowledge of shoreline clean-up strategies for the type of oil spilled, the type of shoreline impacted and the equipment available, in the context of developing and strengthening the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan and management systems.
