Concerns over oil spills as exploration gathers pace

The ongoing offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration and the expected establishment of the Lokichar to Lamu Crude Oil Pipeline (LLCOP) have raised concerns over potential increase in marine pollution risk, and even oil spill.

Lamu Marine Forum Chairman Mohamed Athman said the projects call for heightened attention on the part of the government owing to probable oil spills that could cause extensive havoc.

“There has been increased petroleum activities both offshore and onshore in search for oil and gas with discoveries already made onshore in places like Pate in Lamu East. These discoveries increase the risks for pollution incidents on our waters,” said Mr Athman.

“There is a need for us to be equipped with knowledge on how to handle such cases once they arise.”

He called on the Kenya Marine Authority (KMA) to step up efforts to educate stakeholders including the public on marine safety.

The crude oil pipeline will have an oil storage facility at the new Lamu port in Kililana, Lamu West. The facility is however still being assessed to determine whether there will be either an onshore facility comprising storage tanks and associated infrastructure or whether there will be an offshore facility consisting of a floating storage vessel moored to the export berth. It is such developments that have raised concerns among environmentalists who are of the view that while these projects pose immense danger, insufficient effort has been put on safety measures.

Mr Athman said people should be aware of what to do in case disasters such as oil spills occur.

“We thank the KMA for the efforts in sensitising the public on marine safety. We are however looking forward to having more training on the same and especially on matters to do with oil spills in a region like Lamu,” Mr Athman said.

Mr Ishaq Khatib, an environmental activist, said with the rising development activities both in shipping and petroleum activities in Lamu and Kenya as a whole, there is an urgent need for precautionary measures to be put in place.

“We have already been informed that the first ship will dock at the Lamu Port by November this year. Other developments are on the way. There is need for prompt and effective action taken to minimise any damage which may result from oil pollution due to the increased shipping activities that might be brought about by the completion and functioning of the Lamu Port,” said Mr Khatib.

The KMA has already rolled out training and awareness campaign on marine safety as it seeks to stave off any potential calamity. The campaign initiallytargeted boat operators and other sea users plying the Lamu Indian Ocean waters. However, it has now been widened to include the public.

Lamu has over 5,000 boat operators plying the numerous islands in the archipelago.

Lamu County KMA Vessel Inspector Alexander Munga told Shipping yesterday that apart from the coxswains, they had also embarked on educating fishermen and members of the various Beach Management Units (BMUs), who will then train the public on water transport safety.

Mr Munga said many sea users are not aware of the existing marine safety rules while others don’t even see the importance of adhering to such rules and regulations.

“Some people don’t put on life jackets because they don’t have the knowledge about their importance. That’s why apart from training the coxswains on water safety, we have decided to equip all members of the public with the knowledge,” Mr Munga said.

“We have already approached BMU members and fishermen in various parts of Lamu and sensitised them on the need to adhere to marine safety rules. We expect them to be the agents that will also relay the same information on water transport safety to the rest of the citizens.”

The KMA’s sensitisation campaign, he noted, is not targeting Lamu County only, “it’s a nationwide exercise which is continuous”.

In November 2018, KMA organised a four-day training workshop at the Majlis Hotel in Shela, Lamu County where sailors, shippers and other stakeholders were equipped with knowledge and skills that would enable them to avoid oil pollution while out at sea.

The training aimed at highlighting precautionary measures to avoid sea pollution and the need for prompt and effective action to minimise the damage which may result from oil pollution in the Indian Ocean.