Kenya Eyes Stronger Maritime Security Cooperation as PS Aden Millah Leads Delegation to Mauritius

Kenya is set to push for deeper regional cooperation on maritime security as Principal Secretary State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Aden Millah leads the country’s delegation to the 8th High Level Meeting on the Implementation of the Jeddah Amendments to the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC/JA) in Mauritius. 
The delegation also includes Brigadier Shemote of the Kenya Def ence Forces (KDF), underscoring the country’s whole-of-government approach to addressing emerging maritime threats across the Western Indian Ocean.
The high-level meeting brings together senior government officials from signatory states and international partners to review progress made in strengthening maritime governance and to chart new strategies to respond to evolving security challenges in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) and the Gulf of Aden (GOA). 
One of the key outcomes Kenya expects from the meeting is the enhancement of the regional information-sharing network, a critical pillar in combating piracy, illicit trafficking, illegal fishing, and other transnational maritime crimes. Improved intelligence exchange and real-time coordination among states is expected to significantly boost maritime domain awareness across the region.
Kenya will also play a central leadership role in discussions on the implementation of Working Group 3’s Terms of Reference (TORs), Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and Roadmap. As the inaugural chair of this Working Group responsible for enhancing maritime law enforcement capabilities, Kenya is expected to provide strategic direction on how member states can harmonize their operational frameworks and strengthen joint maritime responses.
The meeting will further assess the progress made by signatory states in establishing and operationalizing their National Maritime Security Committees and National Maritime Information Sharing Centres. These institutions form the backbone of the DCoC/JA architecture and are essential for aligning national efforts with regional security priorities.
Another major agenda item during the high-level meeting is to review the collaborations with international partners and friends of the DCoC, who continue to provide technical, financial, and capacity-building support. Kenya is expected to advocate for deeper cooperation frameworks that address both traditional and emerging maritime security challenges.
Delegates will also evaluate the implementation of resolutions from the 7th High Level Meeting, held in Dar es Salaam in November 2024, to determine areas of progress, persisting gaps, and priority actions moving forward.
The Mauritius meeting will culminate with the election of members to the DCoC Steering Committee, an important governance organ that guides the strategic direction of the Code’s implementation. Kenya is expected to seek positions that reinforce its role as a regional maritime security leader.

As Kenya continues to position itself as the region’s anchor state in maritime safety, security, and the blue economy, the outcomes of this high-level meeting are expected to significantly shape the country’s maritime security posture and strengthen collective efforts across the Western Indian Ocean.