The Effect of Somali Piracy on Kenya’s Maritime Sector

Abstract

The purpose of this study was analyzing the effect of Somali Piracy on the maritime sector in Kenya (2007-2011). The study included the sampled Kenya Maritime officials, clearing agents, shipping agents, Kenya Revenue Authority officials and officials of the Hotel industry at the Coast. The study achieved its purpose through three objectives namely to establish the effect of Somali piracy on Kenya’s import and export trade; to find out the effect of Somali piracy on the tourism sector in the Kenyan coast and to determine the effects of Somali piracy on maritime security in Kenya. The study reviewed relevant literature with the aim of establishing a gap which the research is going to fill. Methods of collecting data were questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed by a mixed method of data analysis comprising both qualitative and quantitative methods. SPSS Version 17 was used to analyze quantitative data. The study concludes that Somali Piracy affects Kenya’s import/export the tourism industry and the maritime security. The study recommends that at the national governmental level, the government should find ways to enhance enforcement and raise awareness of piracy issues. More needs to be done to detect and undermine piracy at the point where infringement originates. Multilaterally, ways to strengthen the existing framework and practices could be explored.