Japanese ambassador to Kenya Toshitsugu Uesawa said his government has set up a defence force base in Djibouti in a bid to maintain surveillance off Somalia Coast to contain piracy.
Due to increased surveillance, he said attacks had in recent years dropped drastically in the key shipping route that had been hit hard leading to increase in global shipping costs a few years back.
He said that the major goal is to secure the sea so that ships can safely transport passengers and goods to various ports on the African continent. Mr Uesawa was confident the maritime industry in Africa could register significant growth if pirate attacks are brought to an end.
He also reaffirmed the Japanese government’s commitment to fostering relations between the Japanese and the Kenya navy to make the Indian Ocean safe for sea transport.
Speaking at the Port of Mombasa, he said the 2 countries would continue to work hand in hand on peace initiatives and development.
Apart from piracy, the envoy said his country was also involved in peace keeping missions in Africa for stability to be achieved in countries such as South Sudan.
Kenya Ports Authority principal communications officer Haji Masemo said that several cruise ships are expected to bring tourists to Mombasa between November and December and help revive cruise tourism in the country.
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