[2004] KEHC 1621 (KLR)
The court found no sufficient reason to interfere with or set aside the previous order allowing Kenya Ports Authority to move the vessel MFV 'Debbie' within the port. The statutory mandate of the Kenya Ports Authority to manage the port in the public interest outweighs the applicants' concerns about security and...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2004] KEHC 1621 (KLR)
- Parties
- Plaintiff: Harun Mahundi and Charles R.B. Rwenchungura as Joint Liquidators of African Fishing Limited (In Liquidation); Defendant: The Demise Charterers and all other persons claiming to be interested in MFV “Debbie”
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Mombasa
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- ? 7 of 2001
- Procedural Posture
- Admiralty Cause / Ruling on Application to Set Aside Movement Order
- Outcome
- application dismissed with costs
- Legal Topics
- Vessel Arrest, Port Management, Statutory Powers, Liquidation Proceedings
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Harun Mahundi and Charles R.B. Rwenchungura as Joint Liquidators of African Fishing Limited (In Liquidation)
Plaintiff
The Demise Charterers and all other persons claiming to be interested in MFV “Debbie”
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Admiralty Cause / Ruling on Application to Set Aside Movement Order
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the court should set aside the order for movement of the vessel MFV 'Debbie' within the port.
- 2 Whether the applicant's concerns about security and costs justify overriding the statutory powers of the Kenya Ports Authority.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found no sufficient reason to interfere with or set aside the previous order allowing Kenya Ports Authority to move the vessel MFV 'Debbie' within the port. The statutory mandate of the Kenya Ports Authority to manage the port in the public interest outweighs the applicants' concerns about security and costs. The application to set aside the movement order was therefore dismissed with costs to the applicants.
Court Disposition
application dismissed with costs
Orders
- The application to set aside the movement order is dismissed with costs.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
22 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT MOMBASA ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION ADMIRALTY CAUSE NO. 7 OF 2001
HARUN MAHUNDI and CHARLES R.B. RWENCHUNGURA As Joint Liquidators of AFRICAN FISHING LIMTED (IN LIQUIDATION)
THE OWNERS OF MFV “DEBBIE”……………………………………PLAINTIFF
V E R S U S
THE DEMISE CHARTERERS AND ALL
OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING TO BE
INTERESTED IN MFV “DEBBIE”…………………………………DEFENDANT
R U L I N G
Motor Vessel “DEBBIE” has been docked at Kilindini Harbour since the year 2001 in the month of July under a Warrant of Arrest issued by this court. It is not clear to this court why the proceedings have not come to conclusion. It had been anchored at the G. Section of the Port.
On 17. 5.2004 this court on application of K.P.A. issued an Oder of movement of the ship to another part of the Port for reasons advanced by the managers of the Port – Kenya Ports Authority.
This court is now being asked to set aside that Movement Order so that the ship continues to anchor at G. Section.
I have listened to the submissions of both counsel. The reasons advanced by the Applicants is that where it is proposed to move the ship is a dangerous area, full of robbers and thieves and once the ship is anchored there it will not survive acts for robbery, theft and vandalizing. And it would be too costly for the Applicants to keep it secure. The counsel for Applicant revealed that already there is a consent order to sell the ship. It is not clear why there is delay.
On the other hand Kenya Ports Authority is authorized by law (K.P.A. Act, Cap.391) to manage the Port as provided thereunder. A statutory body operates for the benefit of all public and in its performance it has to safeguard the interest of public.
I find no reason to review stay or set aside the order already made by this court (Justice Mwera).
The application is dismissed with costs.
Dated this 30th day of July, 2004.
JOYCE KHAMINWA
J U D G E
Mr. Kiambya – H/B for Tindika
Ms Muthai – present
Read in their presence.
JOYCE KHAMINWA, J.