Shee Kupi Shee was awarded by the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) for his tireless support, training, and planning that enables maritime search and rescue crews to work effectively.
Shee is the Director of Disaster Risk Management in Lamu County.
IMRF says the award acknowledges those who have shown excellence in their field, developed innovative technology and equipment or acted as role models to inspire others.
Shee has been involved in rescue operations since 2016.
With his initiative, the awarding body said, he established the Disaster Response Team and trained its members to respond to maritime incidents along the Indian Ocean waters in Lamu County.
An example of one such mission is, after receiving a distress call from the MV Paradise near the Somalia coast, Shee participated in the rescue operation.
This operation was cross-border, and Shee's coordinated response from Kenya provided crucial assistance to Somalia, which had limited response capabilities.
Shee said he was proud to be the first Kenyan to win this distinguished IMRF Award under the category of Outstanding Individual Contribution to Maritime SAR Operations.
He said his connection with the sea started from his birth, having been delivered meters to the sea landing site and has worked around it since.
"I was delivered in a house situated 35 metres off the sea landing site.This connection with the sea grew more strongly until today,” he said in an interview.
Shee said the award honoured the work of the Lamu County Multiagency Team– their hard work, professionalism and commitment has enabled Lamu to succeed in making the changes and adjustments necessary to provide a world class service to Maritime safety and security.
“I am dedicating this Award to the hard work and dedication of our entire team which include Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Coastguard, Kenya Maritime Authority, NDOC, KDF, CSG, COG, NRT and the defunct disaster response team," he stated.
"I am incredibly grateful for the support of our Lamu multi-agency and the opportunities that the governor’s office provides to innovate,” he said while accepting the award.
He said ensuring seafront safety and effective rescue operation was a key focus for Lamu County because it is a major economic component for the county.
Lamu County’s destiny is inextricably linked to the seas.
Over 800 years ago, Lamu was a major trading port located at the intersection of the Arabic, Portuguese Indian and African trading routes.
Its location along the East African Coast made it a Gateway for trade with Arabia, Europe and the Indian Ocean.
"With this rich history of our blue economy in the County, it is incumbent upon us to continue changing the patterns and make the world closer and more accessible,” he said.
He added that he was happy his “borderless and inclusive humanitarian actions have been celebrated globally, and the care for women, disabled, Refugees, youth and the disgruntled is equally a standard care for all.”
