Examining the Level of Maritime Domain Awareness in Lake Victoria-Kenya

Abstract

Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) is a prerequisite for effective governance facilitating regulatory enforcement to safeguard against illicit maritime activities. This paper attempts to examine the level of MDA in Lake Victoria, Kenya, focusing on the identification of capacity for monitoring and surveillance. Similarly, information sharing and integration practices, capability to safeguard maritime domain through emergency response or enforcement action are assessed and improvement measures proposed. A mixed methodology was utilized, where secondary sourced from academic publications provided the conceptual background and practice of the MDA. The primary data was collected through surveys, targeting frontline officers from the maritime regulator, Coast Guard, Fisheries Service, Port, Border Police, customs, among other agencies. Additionally, benchmarking of MDA situation at the Kenyan coast (Mombasa RMRCC) and Nigerian coast (NIMASA Deep Blue Project) against MDA situation in Lake Victoria was undertaken. The findings established artisanal fishing, transportation of petroleum products, various cargo, and passengers as the leading maritime activities. The existing MDA system is mainly dependent on human sources (fishers and passengers) who share valuable information with enforcement officers. The main challenges identified include inadequate personnel, equipment and fuel provision. For future improvement, strengthening community and stakeholder collaboration, and enhancing information sharing are suggested.