Speaking at the country’s Navy’s 60th anniversary, Kenya’s President William Ruto committed to increasing support for the force through investment in advanced technologies and modernisation of the fleet.
Highlighting the need to bolster the skills and operational capacity of navy personnel, he said; “Our singular focus will be on maintaining a high state of readiness to ensure that we respond swiftly and effectively to an increasingly dynamic security environment.”
“Over the past six decades, the Kenya Navy has evolved into a respected force, known for its discipline and excellence. Our naval officers and sailors have shown remarkable patriotism, dedication, and courage, often under difficult circumstances,” President Ruto stated adding that the importance of the Navy cannot be overstated.
“By investing in maritime infrastructure and enhancing its security, we not only improve our naval capabilities but also create opportunities for wealth generation and job creation,” he said as he commended the synergy between the navy and the Kenya Coast Guard Service, which formed the cornerstone of Kenya’s National Maritime Defence Strategy.
He stated that the two institutions protect the country’s coastline, combat illegal activities, secure maritime resources and safeguard sea lanes of communication and trade. “Their collaboration exemplifies the spirit of multi-agency synergy and the whole-of-government approach that is essential to our national security,” he said.
“By working together as one team, we will overcome any challenge, transcend every obstacle, navigate the uncertainties of the future and continue to make the Kenya Navy a source of pride for our nation,” he added.
The President also underscored the Navy’s critical role in enhancing Kenya’s national defence capacity, citing the establishment of Kenya Shipyard Limited as an example. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s Blue Economy development, contributing to the country’s transformation.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said Kenya Navy’s contribution to the blue economy has boosted the actualisation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. She also commended the Kenya Navy’s collaboration with defense partners, which has strengthened Kenya’s diplomatic ties through joint exercises, training programs, and coordinated maritime operations. “These collaborations have not only enhanced our maritime security but also contributed to regional stability and peace,” she said.
Also present at the function were Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi (Treasury), Salim Mvurya (Trade), Margaret Nyambura (ICT), Governors Abdullswamad Nassir (Mombasa), Fatuma Achani (Kwale) and MPs.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to all men and women of the Kenya Navy, both serving and retired, for your dedication, bravery, and sacrifice,” General Kahari said. He also acknowledged the successful synergy between the Navy and organizations such as the Kenya Coast Guard Service, which forms the foundation of Kenya’s National Maritime Defence Strategy.
“The collaboration between these institutions is key to protecting our coastline, combating illegal activities, securing maritime resources, and safeguarding our sea lanes of communication and trade,” he added.
“The future of the Kenya Navy lies in embracing cutting-edge technology and capabilities that will maintain our competitive edge and readiness in the ever-evolving maritime security environment,” Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno said.
The celebrations featured displays, including formations by Kenya Navy ships, multi-agency boats, and F-5 fighter jets. A sail sequence, showcasing the skills of the elite Special Boat Unit (SBU) in high-speed operations and rescue missions, was also demonstrated. The event was capped by a 21-gun salute from Kenya Navy Ship Jasiri as well as a fireworks and pyrotechnics display.
As a backgrounder, last year, Kenya’s President William Ruto officially rededicated the Kenya Navy’s patrol ship KNS Shupavu on July 29th, in a ceremony that marked a major milestone for the East African country’s investment in a new shipyard.
The 60-meter ship received an extensive overhaul at Kenya Shipyards Limited’s (KSL) Mombasa Shipyard, which was built at Mtongwe Naval Base with the help of the Dutch shipyard Damen and officially opened in December 2021. Shupavu was already inside one of the two new sheds when the shipyard was completed.
In July 2018, the Kenyan patrol ship KNS Shujaa returned from a 21-month midlife refit and training voyage. The refit was carried out in the Netherlands by Damen Shipyards, and was received by Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Defence Raychelle Omamo in Mombasa. The vessel is one of two Shupavu class large patrol boats built by Gondan shipyard in Spain – the sister ship is the KNS Shupavu. They were acquired in 1997 and both are armed with 76 and 30 mm guns.