Kenya Plans Possible Naval Protection for Cargo Heading to Gulf

Kenya is considering deploying military-backed escorts for cargo vessels travelling to the Middle East to protect shipments amid rising security risks along key trade routes.

Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana said in a televised interview that the government is reviewing measures to strengthen maritime security, including naval escorts through high-risk areas. He noted that other countries have adopted similar approaches and Kenya may need to do the same to protect its exporters.

Exporters have reported significant disruption to shipments to Gulf markets, a major destination for Kenyan fresh produce and other goods. The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimates weekly losses of between Ksh800 million and Ksh1.2 billion. Some businesses are considering reducing operations or cutting jobs in response to the decline.

Mukhwana said one option under review is to consolidate cargo destined for locations such as Jeddah before arranging secure transit under government-supported frameworks. He also pointed to existing challenges, including the lack of a national shipping line and high insurance costs for vessels operating in unstable regions.

Officials are examining combined strategies that could involve escorting ships to safer zones, such as the Red Sea, before transferring goods to alternative transport systems, including air freight or regional distribution networks. Any plan would require coordination between the Kenya Defence Forces Navy, international maritime security partners, insurers, and regional allies.