SHIOSO: Policing maritime festivities during the holidays

Globally, we are all, with a tired sigh, emerging from the final stretch of the December festivities, a fun-filled, extended season of holidays when hardworking people, families, and loved ones take time away from their busy schedules to unwind, reconnect, or go all out for a well-deserved rave.

Kenyans, as we proudly acknowledge, never disappoint when given an opportunity to party. Our celebratory spirit is legendary.

Everyone finds a reason to have a good time, and understandably so.

While the majority head back to their villages, a sizeable number dash to nearby resorts, cozy vacation spots scattered across magical Kenya.

These gems are tucked away in remote forests, game reserves, mountains, and, of course, along the coastline. Others pack their families or loved ones and head to our beautiful inland lakes.

As these leisurely activities unfold and merrymaking shifts into overdrive, one segment of the population gets to work, literally returning to its core mandate and, by extension, confronting one of its toughest tasks, policing merrymaking.

This pattern is familiar. It begins with the recall of law enforcement officers from leave, returning them to their workstations and into operational mode.

Soon after comes a visible surge of officers, especially traffic police, on major highways and feeder roads to enforce compliance while facilitating the free flow of traffic.

Kenya Wildlife Service rangers also heighten vigilance within parks, which are popular holiday destinations.

Alongside game rangers are their equally vital counterparts, forest guards, tasked with ensuring minimal or no destruction of flora.

Regular and formed police units are also deployed extensively during the holiday period to protect property left unattended by those away from home and to secure critical installations.

This, in essence, is national security viewed through the lens of proactive internal policing aimed at safeguarding human security and public safety.

It is a demanding task, one that the partying public often remains largely oblivious to.

In brief, these are the key functional areas through which internal security agencies safeguard lives and property, ensuring both individual and collective security and safety.

However, one area of growing concern within this security framework is maritime security and the safety of revellers flocking to public beaches to enjoy the water, sun, and sand.

While Kenyans should be encouraged to enjoy public spaces and national resources, particularly our idyllic beaches, the sheer numbers witnessed during peak holiday seasons raise serious personal safety and security concerns.

Jomo Kenyatta Beach, popularly known as Pirates Beach, alone hosted an unprecedented number of revellers, presenting a significant challenge for law enforcement.

All segments of the security architecture, including the Kenya Coast Guard Service, were stretched beyond available resources in efforts to ensure compliance with safety and security standards.

The ultimate goal of leisure and celebration is to create lasting, positive memories.

That outcome is only possible when safety standards are observed, and the well-being of all is assured.

The unpredictability of the maritime environment cannot be overstated. No amount of planning or enforcement can eliminate risk. Waters can turn vengeful in an instant.

This reality places a responsibility on all of us to comply strictly with maritime laws, exercise reasonableness in our conduct, such as questioning whether taking a toddler to an overcrowded public beach is prudent, and maintain personal safety awareness, including choosing appropriate times to visit the beach.

Law enforcement agencies plan for events and contingencies, but planning assumptions can be unpredictable.

When they fail, Murphy’s Law often prevails. This underscores the urgent need for collaboration between citizens and law enforcement to ensure risk-free enjoyment of our beaches.

This is such a call. Let us plan well in advance of peak festive periods, diversify leisure options where possible by considering off-peak destinations, adhere to the rule of law, and take personal responsibility for our own safety and security.

Only then can we truly guarantee enjoyment today while preserving fond memories for the future.

Bruno Isohi Shioso is the Director General of the Kenya Coast Guard Service