Deborah Karimi Muchai

Deborah Karimi Muchai was honoured for her exceptional skills and leadership in marine rescue operations, which have saved lives and strengthened maritime safety in Kenya’s coastal region. She has been at the forefront of several high-profile rescue missions, demonstrating courage, precision, and unwavering commitment to her community. Among her notable achievements is the rescue of three fishermen who had been lost at sea for an astonishing 24 days, alongside the recovery of the body of a fourth who tragically did not survive.

Her expertise also contributed to the retrieval of the body of a middle-aged woman who drowned in Kilifi, as well as the daring rescue of four fishermen who had drifted into Tanzanian waters. Beyond active rescue missions, Deborah is dedicated to preventive safety measures, training fishermen in various beach units on marine safety, watch programs, and emergency preparedness.

She has also played a key role in the development of a specialized ocean incident tracking application, which enables efficient reporting and rapid response by operation centres and government agencies. Through her leadership, Deborah has not only saved lives but has also enhanced safety culture and resilience among coastal fishing communities.