A high-level security operation is underway in Kilifi after a Ksh9.7 billion superyacht, christened SALT, was detained on Thursday, November 6, 2025, for docking in Kenyan waters without legal clearance. The discovery of four sniper rifles and hundreds of rounds of ammunition aboard the vessel has intensified the probe, placing Kenya's maritime surveillance and port security protocols under sharp scrutiny.

The 62-metre luxury vessel, registered under the flag of the British Virgin Islands, arrived from Dubai with six passengers and 20 crew members. Its journey originated in Oman before passing through Dubai en route to Kilifi. While the yacht was reportedly cleared by the Port Health Department, Immigration, Customs, and the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), it failed to secure the mandatory authorization from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), rendering its entry illegal.

The presence of the vessel immediately attracted the attention of national security officials, including the Kenya Navy. A multi-agency team, comprising officers from the DCI, Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard, and Customs, was swiftly assembled to inspect the four-deck yacht. During this inspection, the team discovered the firearms and ammunition, some of which were boxed while others were found loose.

Contradictory Accounts Emerge

Official accounts regarding the nature of the weapons have been conflicting. Initial reports from the multi-agency inspection team highlighted the discovery of the sniper rifles. However, speaking to a local radio station on Monday, November 10, Kilifi County Commissioner Josphat Biwott refuted claims of illegality, stating the weapons were legally owned by the tourists for protection against piracy. "There is no yacht that would sail without protection. The weapons were for their protection. How would they defend themselves if pirates attack them on the sea?" Biwott stated. He clarified that the vessel's primary violation was the failure to obtain KPA clearance, which he termed an "oversight."

Despite these assurances, the investigation continues. A series of high-level security meetings have been held, chaired by Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Mutisya and attended by Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, to verify the yacht's documents and assess the security implications. Investigators are reportedly focusing on the conduct of a local shipping agent and a KPA officer who may have been complicit in the vessel's irregular entry.

International Crew and Passengers

The yacht, formerly known as 'Voice' and built by CRN Yachts in 2020, was carrying a diverse group of individuals. The six passengers included four nationals of Vanuatu and two from the Philippines. The 20-person crew comprised individuals from the United Kingdom, Estonia, South Africa, Poland, Italy, Seychelles, and Romania. Authorities have stated the passengers are a family on holiday with their nannies. They have been permitted to continue with their tourism activities, which include visits to the Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Parks, while the investigation proceeds. The yacht is scheduled to depart for Madagascar on November 14, pending the regularization of its legal documents.

Implications for Kenyan Security and Tourism

This incident raises significant concerns about the security of Kenya's extensive coastline, a region historically vulnerable to illegal arms trafficking and other transnational crimes. The ease with which a vessel, armed or not, could bypass key port authorities highlights potential gaps in maritime domain awareness that could be exploited by criminal or terrorist elements. Kenya has long been a transit point for illicit goods, and its porous borders and coastline present ongoing challenges for security agencies.

The detention of the SALT comes as Kenya actively works to boost its blue economy and cruise tourism sector. According to the Ministry of Tourism, cruise ship arrivals surged by 163.5% in the last year, and the high season runs from October to March. While the arrival of a luxury vessel like SALT signifies the region's appeal to high-end tourists, a security incident of this nature could damage the reputation of Kilifi as a safe destination. Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro has welcomed the tourists, emphasizing the economic benefits they bring to the region.

As of Tuesday morning, the superyacht remained docked in Kilifi as the multi-agency team works to conclude its investigation and verify all documentation before the vessel is cleared for its planned departure. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED.