KMA assures families as nine seafarers detained in Tanzania

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has assured families of nine Kenyan seafarers detained in Tanzania that it is working round the clock to ensure their safety.

The Seafarers Union of Kenya on Tuesday raised the alarm over the Kenyan seafarers aboard the vessel MV Sea Mfalme, who are currently detained in Tanzania as part of investigations into suspected human trafficking.

The vessel reportedly departed from Kenya on March 14 this year carrying multiple nationalities, including women and a child.

It was reportedly detained on March 30 in the coastal town of Kilwa in Tanzania, two weeks after leaving Kenya.

The seafarers are reported to be stranded under difficult conditions, with limited information about their welfare. Families said they have been in distress since early April.

They have appealed for urgent government intervention, saying the prolonged detention has caused significant hardship, as many of the affected individuals are primary breadwinners.

On Thursday, KMA director general CPA Omae Nyarandi acknowledged reports regarding the detention of a Kenyan-flagged vessel, MV Sea Mfalme, in Tanzania.

“The matter is currently under review, with the authority working closely with relevant government agencies and counterparts in Kenya and Tanzania to verify the circumstances and facilitate appropriate follow-up actions,” Nyarandi said.

He assured stakeholders that the situation is being handled through established intergovernmental and regulatory frameworks.

“Further communication will be issued as appropriate. The authority remains committed to safeguarding the credibility of Kenya’s ship registry and ensuring adherence to applicable maritime standards,” he said.

On Tuesday, SUK secretary general Atie Ramadhan asked KMA and the government to intervene in the case.

“The vessel flies a Kenyan flag and began its voyage here. There should have been proper pre-departure inspections. I appeal to the government to ensure the safe return of the seafarers. If anyone is culpable, the law should take its course,” Ramadhan said.

Ramadhan also called for stronger vessel inspections, strict enforcement of labour standards and greater transparency in recruitment processes, including the involvement of the union.

The union further asked KMA to urgently intervene in the plight of other seafarers who have gone for months without pay, faced exploitation and been stranded in foreign countries under distressing conditions.

They also appealed to Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho to step in and address the growing crisis in the sector.

While the Ministry of Labour recently established the Seafarers Wages Council to regulate pay and improve working conditions, SUK officials said many seafarers continue to suffer due to weak enforcement of labour standards.

“It is unacceptable that seafarers continue to suffer, even within our own waters,” Ramadhan said.