The United Kingdom has continued to support Kenya’s security sector by sending a group of specialised Royal Marines to Kenya to train their Kenyan counterparts.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Royal Marines stated that its specialised team trained the Kenyan marine commando unit on search and seizure operations.

The unit was taken through drills on countering smugglers, terrorists and pirates while embarked on warships.

According to the Royal Marines, the training was through theory classes and practical demonstrations.

“The Kenyan Marine Commando Unit learned about tactics frequently used on front-line operations with Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster, the Royal Navy’s permanent presence in the Middle East which regularly polices the region’s waterways and chokepoints,” the Royal Marines’ statement read in part.

Basis of the training

The training was led by Captain Will Hitchcock who indicated that the Kenyan Commando Unit will gain new requisite knowledge and experience to tackle emerging trends threatening countries’ safety in the sea.

“It is a privilege to train with the Kenyan Marine Commando Unit and to be ready for the ‘fight tonight’ as is the focus of both of our commando units.

“As two proud raiding forces, it is crucial to continue to share experiences and build interoperability to provide solutions to shared problems,” Captain Hitchcock stated.

“Our visit to Kenya is a fantastic opportunity for Lancaster’s Royal Marines to train and exercise boarding operations with the Kenyan Marine Commando Unit, contributing to the UK and Kenya’s joint commitment to improve regional stability and security,” Commander Chris Sharp, Commanding Officer HMS Lancaster (Port), added.

Kenyan Marine Commando Unit

The Kenyan Marine Commando Unit (KMCU) was created following a close collaboration between Kenya and the UK. Its establishment was meant to create a self-sustaining training cycle through which the Kenyan Navy will be able to train their own Marine Commandos.

The commando unit made history in May 2023 when the first-ever cohort of Kenyan Marines completed a rigorous training programme which largely mirrors that undertaken by the Royal Marines.

The unit is currently equipped to the highest standards with the US Military playing a critical role in it.

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