State eyes freight profits by adopting cabotage law

A ship docks at the Port of Lamu. [Robert Menza, Standard]

"Our maritime cabotage can start in shallow waters, then deep waters and later continental waters. We pay more than Sh600 billion to foreign shipping lines annually for our imports and exports," he noted.

Omingo said East Africa has been left behind in implementing maritime cabotage compared to West Africa and hence there is a lot to learn when representatives from 28 countries in the continent meet in Mombasa.

Colonel Ciseau said maritime cabotage could help in protecting maritime resources against poaching and other illegal activities.

Mr Kiange said it was time for Africa to invest in the carriage of its own cargo so as to benefit from international trade. "We can successfully implement maritime cabotage through close collaboration and having our own ships," he noted.

Kaituko said that Africa has coastlines stretching more than 38,000 kilometres, abundant natural resources and a rapidly growing population but this potential has been underutilised.

"International shipping lines have dominated maritime trade, often to the detriment of African nations. African maritime cabotage seeks to address this issue and harness the continent's maritime resources for its own development," he argued.

He observed that African maritime cabotage will play a crucial role in enhancing the security of African waters.

"By regulating and monitoring maritime activities, countries can better combat illegal activities like piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing. These activities not only threaten national security but also hinder economic growth," he said.

He noted that by implementing effective cabotage regulations, African nations can ensure that their maritime boundaries are secure and well-patrolled.

He said the use of domestic shipping for regional trade will lead to more efficient and eco-friendly transportation.

"This not only reduces the carbon footprint but also contributes to preserving the delicate marine ecosystems along the African coasts," he noted.

He however said that the development of a robust maritime industry will require substantial investment in infrastructure, shipbuilding, training, and technology.

"Additionally, it demands transparent and efficient regulatory frameworks to ensure that cabotage rules are adhered to and enforced consistently," he added.