Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi affirmed Kenya’s dedication to supporting the United States and Europe in addressing the challenge posed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Speaking with the Star, Mudavadi emphasized the strategic importance of the Red Sea channel, which facilitates approximately 12 percent of global trade.
Given Kenya’s reliance on maritime trade through this route, Mudavadi underscored the country’s commitment to ensuring stability and security in the region.
“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 has committed to supporting the United States and the European Union in addressing maritime crime in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea regions.
The activities of Houthi rebels have disrupted the safe passage of vessels, prompting the EU to seek regional partnerships to enhance security efforts.
The seizure of northern Yemen by Houthi rebels has led to over 30 attacks on ships in the Red Sea, resulting in ripple effects such as increased prices of agricultural produce and basic commodities.
Mudavadi emphasized the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries in the affected regions.
“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.
