To prevent and control pollution from ships a wide range of legislation has been developed at the international level, through the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and at country level where the reduction of pollution from shipping is an integral part of Kenya’s Maritime Authority since its beginning, in 2004.

Our objective is to regulate ship and offshore installation sources pollution in all Kenyan navigable waters for safe navigation and protection of the marine environment.

To reduce the risk of marine pollution from ships, KMA provides technical assistance regarding implementation, monitoring, development and evolution of relevant Kenyan and international legislation. The three main areas of work currently include different aspect of oil and HNS spills, sewage and garbage from ships, ballast water management, offshore structures source pollution, the reception and handling of ships’ waste.

Pollution prevention

Kenya has ratified several conventions in effort to regulate the ship source pollution;

The MARPOL, 1973 Convention addresses pollution from ships by oil; by noxious liquid substances carried in bulk; harmful substances carried by sea in packaged form; sewage, garbage; and the prevention of air pollution from ships.

The International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation 1990 (OPRC 90) is the international instrument that provides a framework designed to facilitate international co-operation and mutual assistance in preparing for and responding to major oil pollution incidents and requires States to plan and prepare by developing national systems for pollution response in their respective countries, and by maintaining adequate capacity and resources to address oil pollution emergencies. Most importantly, OPRC 90 and OPRC-HNS Protocol 2000 provide the mechanism for Parties to request assistance from any other state Party, when faced with a major pollution incident.

International Convention relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties, 1969 which provides for intervention in the deep sea incase pollution in the high sea is likely to cause pollution in our territorial sea to prevent, mitigate or eliminate grave and imminent danger to the coastline or related interests from pollution or threat of pollution of the sea by oil or substances other than oil, following upon a maritime casualty or acts related to such a casualty, which may reasonably be expected to result in major harmful consequences.

Convention on the prevention of Marine pollution by Dumping of Wastes and other matter 1972 (London Convention, 72) which aims to prevent, reduce and where practicable, eliminate pollution caused by dumping or incineration at sea of wastes.