Modernising Kenya Navy key to national security, says Ruto

President William Ruto, Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Otieno and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi during the Kenya Navy 60th Anniversary, at the Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe, Mombasa, on December 14, 2024. [PCS]

President William Ruto has reiterated his government’s commitment to ensure the Kenya Defence Forces and in particular the Kenya Navy, is modernised to continue discharging its duties effectively.

Speaking during celebrations to mark 60 years of the Kenya Navy service in Mombasa Saturday, the President said his administration will continue to enhance naval capabilities by investing in modernisation of the fleet alongside other armed forces units.

“We shall be aiming to have one singular force as we seek to maintain a high state of readiness at all times,” he said.

The President was accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya.

Dr Ruto said he has been conducting a series of meetings with the Ministry of Defence leadership on the modernisation capabilities of the KDF. He said Kenya now has a stabilised economy and was implementing a raft of measures such as the provision of adequate healthcare for all and decent housing for the masses. “We also aim to focus on anchoring development  on peace, stability and security,” Ruto said.

“I wish to honour Kenya Navy’s dedication of bravery overtime and wish to salute them for having been a bedrock of our success today as they keep maintaining high standards of professionalism, discipline, and work ethics,’’ he added.

Ruto added that the Navy at 60 celebrations are not only a mere event but real celebration was on tangible achievements and progress than the Kenya Navy has been accustomed too overtime. He urged officers, service men and women in the Kenya Navy not lower their standards but to keep them high at all times. “We will support and work with you. The Government of Kenya will always be behind you. All of us have a duty and responsibility to our nation. We must believe in our selves and our nation. There is no spare nation. This is our moment to make our contribution to make Kenya great,” Ruto said.

He said that the day’s events marked a significant milestone to the nation history and that the Kenya Navy continues to be part of the country’s achievements on matters security.

He commended the synergy between the Kenya Navy and the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) where the navy has continued to offer professional support including to other government agencies at the port of Mombasa and beyond.

Tuya said the Kenya Navy has earned a reputation since its inception in 1964 and now boasts a robust naval force on the East Africa Coast.

“I wish to commend former commanders of the Kenya Navy, some of whom are here with us, for having worked tirelessly and guided in having a modern navy today,’’ she said.

Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, said they firmly believe in growth and modernisation of the navy and all other KDF units. President Ruto and his entourage where treated to a first by Kenya Navy paratroopers who made daring jumps from a KDF military helicopter into the Ocean waters. The military achievement was described as the first of its kind on the African continent.

There was also a 21-gun salute from Kenya Navy flagship, KNS Jasiri, and a sail-past from a number of Kenya Navy warships as part of the grand celebration. A special book highlighting Kenya Navy @60 was also launched by the head of state.

Other dignitaries present included National Treasury CS John Mbadi, ICT CS Margaret Nyambura, Investment, Trade and Industry CS Salim Mvurya, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and his Kwale counterpart Ms Fatma Achani.