Belgium to help Kenya exploit maritime resources

Belgian government will continue supporting Kenya to help maximise benefits from its marine potential. Belgian Ambassador to Kenya Roxane de Bildeling said in Mombasa Saturday that her government will engage with Kenya on various fields that are of mutual benefit to both countries.

She spoke when she led a delegation on a tour to the Marine Fisheries Research Institute KMFRI laboratory facilities in Mombasa.  Belgium donated a marine research vessel to KMFRI in 2013. “Kenya and Belgium have enjoyed cordial bilateral relations in the field of marine sciences since 1985 and the donation of a marine research vessel, RV Mtafiti in 2013 is a clear testimony of this engagement,’’ she said.

Earlier on, the envoy’s delegation visited the vessel at the Mkunguni jetty, at the Mtongwe Kenya Naval base, where they were appraised on the on-going repairs on the vessel that is to embark on its maiden cruise next month.

KMFRI Director Renison Ruwa said the agency has benefited from capacity building offered by Belgian universities through scholarships. “Our research is published in international peer reviewed journals and recently, we were awarded and recognised as a centre of excellence in marine and fisheries research by the East African Community,” he said.

KMFRI Oceanography and Hydrology Department head Dr Charles Magori said they have approved sailing orders for the RV Mtafiti, and the cruise ship will focus on monitoring, control and surveillance stock assessment. They will also check for biological, chemical and physical parameters.

“Future cruises will be more detailed and will involve all the stake holders in the marine sector,” said Dr Magori.