Sea Blindness and Maritime Security Management in Mombasa County, Kenya
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Date
2025-05
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Sea blindness remains a significant threat to maritime security in Mombosa County, Kenya where many stakeholders obliviously overlook the importance of securing their maritime spaces. With growing global concerns over piracy, robbery at sea, environmental degradation, climate change, and the blue economy, it is crucial to understand the implications of sea blindness on maritime security in the Port County of Mombasa, Kenya. This study investigated the implications of sea blindness on maritime security in Mombasa County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to assess the extent of sea blindness among residents and stakeholders involved in maritime security in Mombasa County, analyze socio-economic factors influencing sea blindness, investigate sea blindness associated vulnerabilities, and to evaluate the effectiveness of civic education initiatives in maritime security management. Anchored in social learning and conflict theories, the study adopted an exploratory design and collected data through interviews with key stakeholders, including fishermen, Kenya Navy personnel, Kenya Coast Guard, Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya Ports Authority, Bandari College, NGOs, and members of the public. The findings indicated limited awareness of sea blindness, though respondents became more engaged when the concept was explained. Socio-economic and cultural factors influenced levels of awareness, while civic education efforts were found to have only moderate effectiveness. The study concluded that sea blindness negatively affects maritime security by contributing to delayed responses, underreporting of incidents, poor policy coordination, and misallocation of resources. It highlighted environmental, economic, social, and security vulnerabilities associated with low maritime awareness. The study recommends integrating maritime education into the national curriculum, strengthening civic education, promoting economic diversification, and enhancing policy coordination to address sea blindness and improve maritime security in Kenya.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School f Law, Arts And Social Sciences In Partial Fulfilment Of The Requirement For The Award Of Master Of Arts Degree In Security Management And Police Studies, Of Kenyatta University, May, 2025
Supervisor;
1.Xavier Francis Ichani,