ODPP enhances cooperation with the International Maritime Organization
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) engaged with representatives from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in combating maritime-related crimes. Vincent Monda, Head of the Mutual Legal Assistance Division at ODPP, proposed joint training initiatives for prosecutors, judicial officers, and investigators. These programs aim to strengthen capabilities in evidence gathering, presentation, and the establishment of procedural guidelines for handling maritime cases effectively. Highlighting recent developments, Monda informed IMO about the establishment of a dedicated Maritime Crimes Division within the ODPP. This division has a team of specialized prosecutors tasked with prosecuting maritime offenses in Kenya. Given the resurgence of piracy and emerging security threats in the Indian Ocean, Monda emphasized the importance of formalizing new engagement terms through updated Memoranda of Understanding between Kenya and relevant stakeholders. Kiruja Muchemi, IMO’s Project Manager, acknowledged the critical need for capacity building in the justice sector. He underscored IMO’s commitment to equipping legal professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the rising incidence of maritime crimes. Muchemi also emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts, especially for countries like Kenya that share maritime boundaries, in exploring diverse strategies to combat these challenges effectively.