By Caren Jeptoo
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has initiated a significant collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to combat maritime-related crimes.
This engagement underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the growing challenges posed by maritime crimes, including piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing.
According to Vincent Monda, the head of the Mutual Legal Assistance Division at ODPP, the programs will strengthen capabilities in evidence gathering, presentation, and the establishment of procedural guidelines for handling maritime cases effectively.
“This division has a team of specialized prosecutors tasked with prosecuting maritime offenses in Kenya,” noted Monda.
Given the resurgence of piracy and emerging security threats in the Indian Ocean, Monda emphasized the importance of formalizing new engagement terms through updated Memoranda of Understanding between Kenya and relevant stakeholders.
Monda emphasized that such training is crucial for the effective handling and prosecution of maritime cases, which often involve complex international legal frameworks and coordination across multiple jurisdictions.
The proposed joint training initiatives aim to equip legal and investigative personnel with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the intricacies of maritime law and crime.
By improving the capabilities of those involved in the prosecution and investigation process, the ODPP and IMO seek to ensure that maritime crimes are addressed more efficiently and effectively.
This will not only aid in the successful prosecution of offenders but also act as a deterrent to potential criminals.
Furthermore, the collaboration between ODPP and IMO is expected to foster stronger international partnerships and facilitate better communication and cooperation among countries in the region.
According to ODPP, Kiruja Muchemi, the Project Manager, highlighted the essential requirement for capacity building within the justice sector.
He reaffirmed IMO’s dedication to providing legal professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to tackle the increasing occurrences of maritime crimes.
Muchemi also stressed the importance of collaborative efforts, particularly for nations like Kenya with shared maritime borders, in investigating various strategies to effectively address these issues.
The engagement between Kenya’s ODPP and the IMO represents a proactive step towards enhancing maritime security through improved legal and investigative capabilities.
By focusing on joint training and cooperation, both organizations aim to create a robust framework for tackling maritime crimes, thereby contributing to safer and more secure international waters.