The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) is planning a new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at Kisumu Port in a move to strengthen emergency response on Lake Victoria.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

According to a notice published by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on Tuesday, September 1, plans for the proposed facility are advancing with the submission of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report.

The project will be implemented in two phases, beginning with construction of the rescue centre, an ambulance bay and 70 parking spaces.

KMA disclosed that the second phase will involve a 20-metre jetty, a boat spillway and other supporting facilities.

📌 What You Need to Know

“The proponent, Kenya Maritime Authority, proposes to construct a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) to be undertaken in two phases with Phase 1 involving construction of the MRCC building, ambulance bay, 70 car parking spaces, and Phase 2 comprising development of a 20m long jetty, a boat spillway, associated facilities and amenities in Kisumu Port, Kisumu County,” the notice read.

The facility is expected to provide a permanent base for search-and-rescue operations on Lake Victoria, improving coordination and response when people or vessels are in distress.

In addition, the planned ambulance bay would also support faster movement of casualties, while the 20-metre jetty would give rescue boats a designated point to launch and dock.

The project assessment identified risks that could affect fishermen and other lake users during construction and operation.

To reduce navigation hazards, the plans include marker buoys, warning signs and lighting around the jetty, while fishermen will be informed about construction activities and the structure’s extension into the lake.

Authorities have further identified the possibility of oil spills, water pollution, sedimentation, solid waste and shoreline erosion during construction and plan to provide response equipment and train personnel in containment and clean-up procedures.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke