Sea Blindness Implications on Maritime Security in Mombasa County , Kenya
Loading...
Date
2024-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Sea
blindness in Africa remains
a serious threat to maritime security as states continue to pay little attention
to the sa
feguard of their maritime realm
. With increase in
international apprehension relating to threats of
piracy, robbery, blue economy
violations
, environmental and climate change threats it is prudent to factor in
implications of sea blindness on maritime security in Kenya.
This study investigated the implic
ations of sea
blindness on maritime security in Mombasa County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to
assess the extent
of sea blindness maritime security awareness among residents and stakeholders involved in maritime security
in Mombasa County, to analy
ze the socio
-
economic factors influencing sea blindness on maritime security in
Mombasa County, to investigate the vulnerabilities associated with sea blindness and their impact on
maritime security in Mombasa County and lastly to assess the effectiveness
of existin
g civic education
initiatives in
addressing impact of sea blindness on maritime security. The study utilized social learning and
conflict theories. Study adopted the exploratory research design employing data collection through i
nterviews
with st
akeholders including the f
ishermen, the Kenya Navy personnel, Kenya Coast Guard officials, Kenya
Maritime Authority, Kenya Ports Authority and Bandari College. The study also sampled views from the
general public and expert opinions from the Non
-
government
al Organizations interested in sea blindness and
maritime security. The findings revealed low awareness of the concept of sea blindness, although respondents
showed positive engagement after its definition was explained. Economic, cultural, and social fact
ors
contributed to varying levels of awareness, while existing civic education campaigns had moderate
effectiveness. The study concluded that sea blindness undermines maritime security management by delaying
response times, underreporting incidents, and hi
ndering resource allocation and policy effectiveness. It
identified vulnerabilities in environmental, economic, security, and social dimensions. The study
recommended enhancing economic diversification, integrating maritime education into curricula, improv
ing
policy coordination, and expanding educational campaigns to mitigate sea blindness and improve maritime
.
Description
Article