The following are the general functions of the KCGS as specified in Section 8 the KCGS Act No. 11 of 2018.

• To enforce maritime security and safety.
• To enforce pollution control.
• To enforce prevention of trafficking of the narcotic drugs prohibited plants and psychotropic substances.
• To enforce prevention of trafficking of illegal goods.
• To enforce prevention of trafficking of illegal firearms and ammunitions.
• To enforce sanitation measures.
• To prosecute maritime offenders.
• For port and coastal security.
• For search and rescue.
• For the protection of maritime resources including fisheries.
• For the protection of archaeological or historical objects or sites.
• To perform any other function that may be conferred by this act or any other written law.
• The service shall co-operate with and assist other public authorities during emergencies or disasters or in the execution of those public authorities’ mandates in the territorial waters.
• The National Security Council may deploy the disciplined and uniformed component of the service to support the Kenya Defence Forces in times of war.
• Additional functions of the KCGS arise when it is required to co-operate with and assist other public authorities during emergencies or disasters or in the execution of those public authorities’ mandates in the territorial waters.

The following are the general powers of the KCGS as specified in Section 9 the KCGS Act No. 11 of 2018.

• Receive and consider any report of the commission of an offence in the maritime domain.
• Stop, enter, board, inspect or search any structure, place, vessel or aircraft engaged in or suspected to be engaged in any unlawful activity.
• Seize or detain any vessel or aircraft engaged in or suspected to be engaged in any unlawful activity.
• Demand the production of any license, permit, record or any other relevant document and to examine such license, permit, record or document or make copies or take extracts from such license, permit, record or document.
• Investigate any offence which it has reason to believe is being committed, is about to be committed or has been committed.
• Exercise the right of hot pursuit.
• Examine and seize any fish, article, device, goods, vessel, aircraft or any other item it has reason to believe is connected to the commission of an offence.
• Subject to the provisions of this act or any other written law, dispose of any fish, article, device, goods, vessel, aircraft or any other item that is connected to the commission of an offence.
• Arrest any person who it has reason to believe has committed an offence.
  Conduct research or any study necessary for the performance of its functions.
• Record statements or make inquiries, inspections or examinations as may be necessary under this act or any other written law.
• Assist in environmental protection.
• Expel any vessel or aircraft whose presence in the territorial waters is detrimental to the national interests of Kenya or is likely to endanger order and safety in the territorial waters.