SEA BLINDNESS IMPLICATIONS ON MARITIME SECURITY IN MOMBASA COUNTY, KENYA

GILBERT WAITHAKA MBOGO; XAVIER FRANCIS ICHANI

doi:10.61426/rjssh.v6i1.300

GILBERT WAITHAKA MBOGO Master of Arts Degree in Security Management and Police Studies, School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya
XAVIER FRANCIS ICHANI, PhD Lecturer, Department of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61426/rjssh.v6i1.300

Keywords: Sea Blindness Awareness, Socio-Economic Impacts, Security Vulnerabilities, Civic Education

Abstract

Sea blindness in Africa remains a serious threat to maritime security as states continue to pay little attention to the safeguard 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 implications 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 analyze 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 existing 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 interviews with stakeholders including the fishermen, 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-governmental 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 factors 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 hindering 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, improving policy coordination, and expanding educational campaigns to mitigate sea blindness and improve maritime.

Author Biographies

GILBERT WAITHAKA MBOGO, Master of Arts Degree in Security Management and Police Studies, School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Master of Arts Degree in Security Management and Police Studies, School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences, Kenyatta University, Kenya

XAVIER FRANCIS ICHANI, PhD, Lecturer, Department of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Lecturer, Department of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya

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