Kenya Navy launches Operation Southern Readiness 2026 in Mombasa
By Kiprono Keileb, January 27, 2026The Kenya Navy on Monday launched Operation Southern Readiness 2026, a multinational maritime security exercise bringing together regional and international partners in Mombasa County.
The four-day operation, which began on Monday, January 26, 2026, is being held at the Bandari Maritime Academy and is aimed at strengthening cooperation in tackling shared security threats at sea.
In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) says the exercise is jointly organised by the Combined Task Force 154 and the Kenya Navy, with participants drawn from member states, partner nations and Kenyan maritime security agencies.
The exercise was officially opened by the Commander of Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe, Brigadier William Kiprotich, who addressed the participants at the opening ceremony and outlined the purpose of the operation.
“We gather here under the Combined Maritime Forces motto, ‘Ready Together.’ This motto encapsulates our mission over the next four days. We know all too well that no single nation can secure the seas alone. The threats we face, such as piracy, illicit trafficking and environmental hazards, are transnational in nature. They demand a unified and operationally focused response,” Brigadier Kiprotich said.
The multinational nature of the exercise places Kenya at the centre of regional maritime security efforts in the Western Indian Ocean, with a focus on joint planning, drills and information sharing among participating forces.
The Commander of Combined Task Force 154, Commodore Andrea Bielli, spoke on the importance of Kenya hosting the exercise and the broader meaning of the collaboration beyond military drills.
“I commend the KDF, Kenya Navy and Bandari Maritime Academy for hosting this important exercise. Your leadership and vision continue to inspire regional and international partners alike. As we embark on these drills and discussions, let us remember that our work here extends beyond tactical manoeuvres. It is about building resilience, fostering mutual respect and ensuring that future generations inherit seas that are secure and prosperous,” Commodore Bielli said.
The Bandari Maritime Academy, which is hosting the exercise, described the event as closely aligned with its mission to support maritime safety and skills development in the region.
The academy’s Chief Executive Officer, Eric Katana, welcomed the visiting delegations and explained the role of the institution in strengthening maritime capacity.
He emphasised that the academy’s mission is vital not only for advancing Kenya’s maritime industry but also for supporting the expansive Blue Economy. He further noted that Operation Southern Readiness 2026 aligns seamlessly with the academy’s efforts to elevate professional standards, build capacity and foster international cooperation across the maritime sector.
This is the first time Operation Southern Readiness has been hosted in Kenya, marking a significant step for the country’s maritime security profile. The Kenya Defence Forces said the exercise shows the Kenya Navy’s continued role in protecting national interests while working with partners to promote safety, peace and stability across the Western Indian Ocean region.