- Houthi rebel activities have significantly impacted the safe passage of vessels, prompting the EU to seek regional partnerships to bolster security efforts.
- Mudavadi said countries must ensure that there is freedom of navigation.
Kenya will remain committed in helping the US and Europe deal with Yemen's Houthi rebels, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has assured.
Image: ENOS TECHE
Kenya will remain committed in helping the US and Europe deal with Yemen's Houthi rebels, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has assured.
In an interview with the Star, Mudavadi noted that the Red Sea channel handles about 12 per cent of the world’s global trade and the bulk of cargo to Kenya comes through the sea.
“If ships choose another route because of disruptions at the Red Sea, we will have delays in the delivery of goods. There will also be cost implication,” he said.
Kenya pledged its support to the US and European Union in addressing maritime crime in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea regions.
Houthi rebel activities have significantly impacted the safe passage of vessels, prompting the EU to seek regional partnerships to bolster security efforts.
Houthi rebels have caused devastating chaos in Yemen by seizing the northern part of the country, launching over 30 attacks on ships operating the Red Sea.
This has led to a ripple effect in the form of a surge in the prices of agricultural produce and basic commodities.
Mudavadi said countries must ensure that there is freedom of navigation.
“There is every reason for Kenya to worry if there are disruptions at the Red Sea. Just like when there was heightened piracy in the Indian Ocean. It not only affected trade but also tourism,” he added.
He said Kenya has “every reason to collaborate with the US and EU because it is in our national interest.”
“Imagine if we don’t get fuel. Imagine if fertiliser is not delivered on time and local industries do not get raw materials.”
EU and the US picked Kenya to join Seychelles to prosecute maritime suspects along the Indian Ocean.
According to the EU Naval Force, Kenya will join the war in assisting to handle the suspects due to the surge in the cases along the coast threatening trade ties between many countries.
Armed forces from the United States, and the United Kingdom have received support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands to fight against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
This has been through the deployment of strikes against the Houthi-controlled areas.
Piracy has remained a significant concern, with recent attacks off Somalia's coast renewing fears of a resurgence.
The early 2010s saw Somali pirates hijacking numerous ships for ransom.