Kenya leads regional maritime security and international defence diplomacy efforts

Kenya is advancing its strategic role in regional maritime security and international defence diplomacy. An international delegation, funded by the European Union, has launched a five-day mission in Nairobi and Mombasa to develop a common regional policy framework for port security and navigation safety across the Eastern Africa-Southern Africa-Indian Ocean region.

The mission aims to assess Kenya’s technical and institutional capabilities to inform policies for nine beneficiary countries, including Angola, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, and Tanzania. Strengthening the Port of Mombasa is viewed as a critical economic priority for securing regional supply chains.

Simultaneously, a Kenya Defence Forces delegation engaged with United Nations officials in New York during the 81st UN General Assembly. These discussions focused on strengthening defence diplomacy, expanding the Women, Peace and Security Chiefs of Defence (WPS CHODs) Network, and enhancing specialized capabilities for peace support operations. The engagements included talks with the UN Office of Military Affairs and the United Nations Mine Action Service.