This week, the Kenyan Navy and other Kenyan maritime partners participated in Exercise Usalama Baharini at the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa. The exercise was carried out by the European Union Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta in cooperation with the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment (DCoC).
The exercise was designed to improve maritime operational capabilities between Kenya's maritime partners and enhance interoperability and information sharing between operational centres. A practical simulation of the legal punishment of arrested maritime criminals was also conducted.
At the closing ceremony, Secretary of State for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Hon. Isaiah Nkoru, commended the participants for the knowledge and experience in maritime interdiction and law enforcement response demonstrated during the exercise. He appreciated the important role each of the maritime actors plays in their daily operations while securing Kenya's maritime domain. He urged continued collaboration while conducting similar multi-agency exercises to address other maritime security challenges.
The European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Her Excellency Henriette Geiger, said maritime security can only be achieved if maritime actors cooperate during operations. She stressed that trade requires safer routes to transport goods. She stressed that strengthening strategic partnerships plays a vital role in disrupting the catch-and-release norm aimed at strengthening the legal end of maritime criminals in Kenya.
EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta Commander Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano has recognized the Kenya Navy and the Kenya Coast Guard (KCGS) as key maritime actors in the Western Indian Ocean region. He reiterated that interoperability among maritime actors contributes to maritime security and stability within the Indian Ocean region and could enhance future cooperation and presence.
Brigadier General Sankare Kiswa, Commander of the Kenyan Navy Fleet, said the ability to communicate effectively and work seamlessly across agencies can make the difference between success and failure. The Brigadier said the exercise strengthened the network of Kenya's maritime stakeholders, strengthened coordination, clarified operational procedures and built a foundation of trust that will carry over into day-to-day maritime security operations.
The exercise concluded with practical simulations of interdiction of vessels engaged in piracy, drug smuggling and illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing on the high seas, demonstrating the professionalism and determination of Kenya's maritime partners.
Participants in the exercise were drawn from EUNAVFOR, DCoC, International Maritime Organization and Go Blue. Kenyan participants included the Kenya Navy, KCGS, Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya Ports Authority and other maritime partners.
