President Ruto promises to invest in Navy to boost Kenya's defence

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to invest in upgrading the naval base and its equipment to enhance Kenya's ability to protect its waters and strengthen national security.

Celebrating the progress made since the establishment of the Kenya Navy in 1964, President Ruto led the military unit in celebrating its 60th anniversary at the Mtongwe Naval Base.

The event, filled with pomp and colour, showcased the Navy’s achievements over the decades.

The President outlined a strategic vision for the next 60 years, focusing on strengthening naval capabilities, adopting advanced technologies, and modernizing the fleet.

“We must continue enhancing our naval capabilities, embracing innovation, and strengthening our partnerships. We must invest in advanced technologies, modernise our fleet, and enhance the skills and operational capacity of our personnel,” said the President.

Dr Ruto emphasised the importance of equipping Kenya Navy officers with advanced skills and improving their operational capacity to address dynamic security challenges effectively.

Although he did not specify the exact investments, the president indicated that the government would consider acquiring upgraded vessels to complement those already in use.

Several vessels were paraded during a watercraft display, some of which have been in service for over a decade, underscoring the need for modernisation.

“Our singular focus will be on maintaining a high state of readiness to ensure that we can respond swiftly and effectively to an increasingly dynamic security environment,” said Dr Ruto.

He celebrated the success of the Kenya Shipyards Limited, the state-owned corporation tasked with construction, repair and maintenance of ships for both military as well as civilian units, and which was started in 2020.

“The Kenya Navy’s contributions extend beyond military operations. I am pleased to highlight its indispensable role in enhancing our national defence capacity. As you know, the establishment of Kenya Shipyard Limited, with the Navy’s provision of key technical personnel and infrastructure, has been crucial to this effort. Your role in this initiative amplifies our commitment to Kenya’s transformation, particularly in developing our Blue Economy, which holds immense untapped potential,” said President Ruto.

The president also paid tribute to fallen heroes and commended both serving and retired Navy personnel for their dedication and sacrifices, which he described as the foundation of the Navy’s success.

“I join you in paying homage to our fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for the peace we enjoy today. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the men and women of the Kenya Navy, both serving and retired,” said the President.

Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, echoed the president’s sentiments, reflecting on the Navy’s journey and expressing optimism about its future.

“The Kenya Defence Forces has adopted a multi-agency approach to addressing security issues. This strategy has enabled us to combat threats and attacks effectively. We appreciate the service men and women who came before us because their efforts have brought us to where we are today,” said General Kahariri.

The celebrations featured various displays, including rescue missions by Navy officers, parachuting demonstrations, exhibitions of war artillery and kayaks, and a 21-gun salute for the Chief of Defense Forces, which startled some dignitaries.

The event was attended by former servicemen and women, Cabinet Secretaries, governors and members of parliament serving on the Parliamentary Committee for Defence.