Kenya Maritime Authority director general Omae Nyarandi and Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) director general at State House in Dar es Salaam during President William Ruto’s official visit to Tanzania.

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Kenya and Tanzania have signed a MoU on the recognition of maritime certificates and the management of the water transport.

The deal is aimed at easing tensions and deepening cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement was signed on Sunday at State House in Dar es Salaam during President William Ruto’s official visit to Tanzania.

Ruto and his host Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu witnessed the signing ceremony.

The pact was signed by Kenya Maritime Authority director general Omae Nyarandi and his Tanzanian counterpart from the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC).

The agreement focuses on mutual recognition of maritime certificates, cooperation in maritime transport safety and security, and the broader management of the maritime transport sector between the two neighbouring countries.

Officials said the MoU is designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, improve maritime safety standards, and streamline operations.

“This milestone agreement demonstrates the continued commitment by both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation, enhance maritime safety and standards, and promote the efficient management of the water transport sector within the region,” KMA said in a statement.

The agreement comes at a critical time following recent diplomatic concerns after nine Kenyan seafarers were arrested in Tanzania on allegations of human trafficking.

The seafarers who were aboard MV Sea Mfalme, are currently detained in Tanzania following their arrest on March 30 at the coastal town of Kilwa.

The vessel had departed Kenya on March 14, carrying multiple nationalities, including women and a child.

During the MoU signing on Sunday, the fate of the Kenyan seafarers was among the issues discussed, but details remain scarce.

Last month, Nyarandi assured stakeholders that the situation was being handled through established intergovernmental and regulatory frameworks

“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,” he said.

He said they remain committed to safeguarding the credibility of Kenya’s ship registry and ensuring adherence to applicable maritime standards,” he said.