In a significant step to enhance the Kenya Defence Forces’ counterterrorism capabilities, 42 officers from the UK’s Royal Marines conducted an intensive training exercise for Kenyan Navy personnel on Monday. The training, focusing on anti-piracy and smuggling tactics, involved practical demonstrations that aimed to bolster the skills of the Kenya Marine Commando Unit (KMCU).
British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, hailed the exercise as a vital demonstration of the ongoing commitment between the UK and Kenya. “It’s fantastic to see that the UK and Kenya have taken advantage of this opportunity to add serious value to the Kenyan Marines training programme,” Wigan remarked. He added, “A great example of how our security partnership is making a real difference to Kenya’s military capacity and capability.”
The KMCU was established as part of a five-year collaboration designed to create a self-sustaining training cycle for the Kenyan Navy. Commander Chris Sharp of the Royal Navy emphasized the importance of the training, describing it as a fantastic opportunity for bilateral coordination in boarding operations.
This partnership comes alongside President William Ruto’s recent announcement of a collaboration with the United States to build a new defense college. Ruto expressed gratitude, stating, “The facility will help address the needs of students in the future,” highlighting the growing focus on strengthening national defense capabilities.