KDF lauded for fighting piracy off Somali coast

Kenya's military intervention in Somalia has been lauded for helping reduce piracy along the East African coast of the Indian Ocean.

A report by the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) says the incursion of Kenyan troops in the conflict prone state has boosted the war against piracy.

"Kenya's intervention played a significant role in enhancing security in Somalia and has contributed immensely to counter-piracy efforts," reads the report.

CGPCS is an international forum created in 2009 pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution. The forum brings together countries, organisations and groups with an interest in combating piracy.

The forum seeks to coordinate political, military and other efforts to bring an end to piracy and to ensure that pirates are brought to justice.

The report, which was released during the 19th plenary session of CGPCS in Seychelles, says member countries agreed to share data and cooperate with Somali authorities to facilitate the arrest and prosecution of pirate kingpins.

The meeting unanimously resolved that an annual piracy assessment meeting be organised in Nairobi later in the year as the group continues to monitor threats posed by criminals on high seas.

About 80 countries and several international organisations participate in the Contact Group, including the African Union, the Arab League, the European Union, the International Maritime Organisation and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Apart from Kenya, Somalia and Seychelles, other African countries in the group include Djibouti, Mauritius and Egypt.

Kenya sent her troops to Somalia in October 2011 to flush out Al-Shabaab militia after the terror group staged kidnappings and carried out attacks in the country.