CDF Kahariri praises Kenya Navy for securing the territorial waters
By Kiprono Keileb, December 19, 2025Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri has visited the Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe as part of his end-of-year tour of Kenya Defence Forces units.
According to a statement shared by KDF on X on Friday, December 19, 2025, the visit focused on checking the state of operations at the coastal base, interacting with service members, and reviewing progress on key programmes affecting the Navy.
The visit formed part of General Kahariri’s routine engagement with officers and troops across different formations, aimed at understanding their working conditions, welfare needs, and overall preparedness. Such visits are often used to assess how units are coping with daily operational demands and to give personnel an opportunity to directly engage senior command.
“Through unwavering professionalism, sustained presence at sea and effective maritime operations, the Navy has excelled in securing Kenya’s territorial waters. These efforts have significantly strengthened national security and underscore the Navy’s indispensable role in defending our nation at sea,” the CDF stated.
On arrival at Mtongwe Jetty, General Kahariri was received by the Commander of the Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, and was accorded a half guard mounted by Kenya Navy personnel. The reception marked a formal start to the visit and reflected the importance of the base in Kenya’s maritime security setup.
The CDF’s engagement with personnel emphasised the role the Navy continues to play along Kenya’s coastline and in the wider Indian Ocean region. For many of the sailors and officers stationed at Mtongwe, the visit was an opportunity to have their work acknowledged at the highest level of military leadership.
“Through unwavering professionalism, sustained presence at sea and effective maritime operations, the Navy has excelled in securing Kenya’s territorial waters. These efforts have significantly strengthened national security and underscore the Navy’s indispensable role in defending our nation at sea,” the CDF stated.
General Kahariri also used the visit to encourage service members to remain focused on their duties and to maintain high levels of readiness.
Beyond operations, the visit touched on the future of the Kenya Navy, with discussions around ongoing and planned modernisation projects. These efforts are intended to improve maritime surveillance and response capabilities, ensuring the Navy remains effective in addressing both current and emerging security challenges.
“Through unwavering professionalism, sustained presence at sea and effective maritime operations, the Navy has excelled in securing Kenya’s territorial waters. These efforts have significantly strengthened national security and underscore the Navy’s indispensable role in defending our nation at sea,” the CDF stated.
General Kahariri also conveyed goodwill messages to personnel during the festive season, acknowledging the sacrifices made by service members who remain on duty away from their families.