Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to helping Uganda access the Indian Ocean, downplaying recent threats of war made by President Yoweri Museveni over maritime access.
Speaking during a media briefing on Kenya’s foreign policy, Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi said facilitating cargo movement to neighbouring states aligns with Kenya’s strategic interests.
“Kenya is a responsible member of the international community, and it is in our interest to facilitate any landlocked country that wishes to use the port of Mombasa,” Mudavadi said
The CS highlighted the economic importance of the port, stressing that Nairobi has never denied any landlocked state access to its port.
“And, in any case, what would be the value of the port if it does not generate revenue?” he asked.
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei also responded to questions about Museveni’s warning, noting mutual respect for sovereign rights.
“I believe very much that he has a fairly great understanding of our rights with respect to our natural resources, and his rights with natural resources in Ugandan territory,” Sing’oei said.
The warnings from Museveni last Sunday, in which he claimed the Indian Ocean “belongs to me” and hinted at future wars, caused concern in the region. However, Nairobi said it remained committed to peaceful diplomacy and regional cooperation anchored on international law.
Kenya’s position is supported by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides for access of landlocked states to the sea but at the same time protects the sovereignty of transit states.
Article 125 of the convention provides for access to the sea for landlocked countries through the territory of the transit states by all transport means, but such arrangements are to be agreed upon through bilateral and regional agreements. The transit states, on the other hand, have reserved their rights to protect their legitimate interests while providing access.
Mudavadi and Sing’oei made it clear that Kenya would continue to ensure Uganda and other landlocked countries received support through legal frameworks and agreements on cooperation.
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