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President William Ruto on Saturday, December 14, 2024, joined the Kenya Navy in celebrating their 60th anniversary at their Mtongwe base.

Kenya Navy was marking its significant milestone in ensuring the security of the country’s maritime borders, contributing to regional stability and supporting the national defence.

The event kicked off after Ruto’s arrival who joined the soldiers in honouring the fallen navies with a moment of silence.

The Head of State then led the soldiers in laying a wreath at the special section set by Kenya Navy officers to celebrate the efforts of their colleagues whose efforts paid off. The ceremonial tombstone was encrypted with the names of the soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

While Kenya Navy officials and schools affiliated with Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) entertained the guests, other officers took President Ruto on a tour of the facility where the affirmed their commitment and showcased their capabilities in continuing to protect the nation.

The event

The event is significant to Kenya Navy as it helped them mark 60 years since it was established in 1964. Over the past six decades, the Kenya Navy has evolved into a modern force, equipped with advanced technology and skilled personnel.

It reflects its commitment to the nation with its key focus being modernization, training and readiness to tackle any maritime security challenges.

Kenya Navy’s mission includes safeguarding the country’s coastline, protecting maritime trade routes and participating in peacekeeping missions abroad.

Some of their achievements include enhanced maritime security and counter-piracy efforts. Their efforts have helped curb the cases of piracy, especially in the Indian Ocean.

They have always played a critical role in rescuing missions across the coastline.

Major General Paul Otieno Owuor is the current Commander of the Kenya Navy. He enlisted in the Kenya Armed Forces in April 1987, embarking on a journey that would shape his future in military service. He began his Officer Cadet Training at the Armed Forces Training College, now the Kenya Military Academy, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in April 1988.

Following his commissioning, he attended the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, UK, where he completed the Midshipman Course and graduated as a Naval Officer.

He rose to the rank following the changes that were announced by President William Ruto early in 2024.

Kenya Navy 60th Anniversary, Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe, Mombasa County https://t.co/MlXvMDc6tS

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) December 14, 2024