President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday  asked Kenyans to play their civic duty of securing the country. He said Kenya’s safety, freedom and prosperity are not a preserve of the State’s security machinery only.

“Our communities and, indeed, every citizen must also play their part. Therefore, I urge local communities and leaders to collaborate with security agencies to achieve the success we desire,” he said. 

The Head of State spoke on Thursday in Lamu county during the presentation of the Presidential and Regimental Colours to the Kenya Navy Manda Bay Base, an exercise that will see the military installation gain expanded operational autonomy as it sets out to become a more geo-strategic facility for national, regional and global security operations.

The President pointed out that the multi-faceted nature of security challenges facing the country calls for greater cooperation between citizens and the nation’s security agencies.

Securing borders 

On the role played by the Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay in the country’s complex security architecture, the Head of State said the frontline military installation plays a critical role in defending Kenya’s  sovereignty, maintaining territorial integrity and securing the nation’s maritime borders.

“Given the growing investments in this part of our country and the promise of the maritime domain, Manda is an invaluable listening and watching tower for Kenya and Kenyans.

Every day, in ways both large and small, you embody the very best of Kenya.

You are the vanguards of our democracy, and guarantors of our security, peace and freedoms,” the President told the military officers attached to the naval base.

To fulfil the country’s development agenda without external disruption, President Kenyatta said the expansion of the naval base’s operational autonomy was meant to establish a military installation with adequate capacity to respond to all forms of enemy aggression.

“The Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay is of utmost significance in enhancing counterterrorism efforts and maritime security, beside protecting the country’s port infrastructure.

In addition, this base boosts security in the region and guards vital trade routes that are the lifeblood of international commerce,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State singled out the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor projects such as the new port, roads and other supporting infrastructure as some of the prized national and international investments that the military base is tasked to protect round the clock.

“The LAPSSET project and road improvements from Hindi through Bargoni, Bodhei, Baure and Kiunga are ongoing.

We are committed to making the Boni area a peaceful and stable economic hub.

Those infrastructure projects will support the livelihoods of our people in the region,” the President said.

He pointed out that emerging maritime security challenges require responsive multilateral approaches.

Maritime trade

Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi said the Kenya Navy Manda Bay Base is a strategic installation recognised for its centrality in securing maritime trade in the Indian Ocean from the vantage Lamu archipelago. 

He said the military base’s trauma centre, officially commissioned by President Kenyatta, serves local, regional and international multi-agency security operations in the area including Amisom.

Present at the colourful ceremony, also addressed by Kenya Navy Commander Major General Jimson Mutai, were Defence Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma, Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha, KDF Service Commanders, retired military generals and several senior government officials.