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KENYA is set to benefit from a Sh780 million fund released by the UK government to help improve maritime surveillance of pirates in the Indian Ocean.

Foreign secretary William Hague said in a statement the money will help improve the regional capacity for piracy prosecutions and detentions in Kenya, Somalia and Seychelles.

About Sh737 million will go to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime whose counter piracy programme includes legislative review and assistance, support to the police, prosecution and judiciary, the provision of logistics and information technology, among other initiatives.

British High Commission head of communication John Bradshaw said piracy directly affects Kenya’s economy and security as it scares away investors. The money is also expected to be used to improve the Shimo La Tewa maximum Prison in Mombasa where about 79 suspected Somali pirates are being held. Kenya has the highest number of suspected pirates being held in prison.

He said the help will ensure the prison accommodation is in line with international standards and that prosecutions are in full compliance with due to process and the rule of law, added Hague.