Why 3 French warships carrying 800 troops have docked in Mombasa
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 15, 2026Three French warships carrying more than 800 military personnel have docked at the Port of Mombasa in a move that signals closer defence cooperation between Kenya and France.
The troops arrived as part of a joint training and maritime security mission aimed at strengthening Kenya’s naval capabilities and improving coordination between the two countries’ armed forces.
Officials from the French embassy say the deployment forms part of wider international efforts to boost stability in the Indian Ocean region, which has seen increasing security concerns in recent years.
Why France deployed troops to Kenya
According to the French ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, the visit reflects the growing defence relationship between Nairobi and Paris.
Suquet said the mission is designed to strengthen military cooperation and improve operational readiness between the two countries.
The personnel arrived aboard three warships and will take part in training programmes with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), particularly the Kenya Navy units responsible for protecting the country’s coastline.
French officials say the exercise will combine classroom training with real operational activities at sea.
A key part of the mission involves training young naval officers from both countries.
Romain Boyer, a spokesperson for the French embassy, said the deployment allows French cadets to complete their final training while also working with Kenyan counterparts.
“The mission of the French group deployed here is a training mission for our cadets,” Boyer said.
“We have some young officers who will finish their training here at sea and then join their first operational unit.”
However, Boyer said the deployment is not purely a training exercise.
“But it is also an operational mission,” he added. “We are patrolling and delivering security at sea. It is all about partnership, especially with our allies and partners in the Indian Ocean.”
Focus on maritime security
During their stay, the French forces will conduct joint maritime exercises with Kenyan naval officers and sailors.
The training will focus on areas such as sea patrol operations, coordination between naval units and modern maritime security tactics.
Kenya relies heavily on maritime security to protect its coastline and shipping routes, especially around the busy waters near the Port of Mombasa.
Officials say improving these capabilities will help Kenya respond more effectively to threats such as piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking in regional waters.
The Indian Ocean has also become an area of strategic competition among global powers, making security cooperation increasingly important.
Proposed defence agreement
The deployment comes as Kenya considers strengthening formal military ties with France through a proposed defence cooperation agreement.
The deal, which has been tabled in the National Assembly, seeks to establish a legal framework governing French military personnel operating in Kenya.
If approved, the agreement would define how visiting forces operate in the country, including rules on logistics, legal protections and support arrangements.
Under the proposal, French soldiers could also receive privileges similar to diplomatic protections while carrying out official duties.
Lawmakers have invited members of the public and other stakeholders to submit their views before the agreement is finalised.
Kahariri awarded France’s top honour
The visit also coincided with a ceremony recognising senior Kenyan military leaders for their role in strengthening cooperation between the two countries. On March 13, the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, received France’s Legion of Honour, the country’s highest order of merit, during a ceremony held aboard the French amphibious assault ship Dixmude.
The award recognised Kahariri’s leadership and his contribution to strengthening defence ties and regional security cooperation between Kenya and France. Major General Joyce Sitienei, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the Centre for Strategic and Security Studies at the National Defence University–Kenya, also received the National Defence Medal (Gold level) for her work in international peace support training and defence partnerships.
Deepening military partnership
France has long maintained a strong naval presence in the Indian Ocean and regularly carries out missions in the region.
By working closely with Kenya, French officials say they hope to strengthen regional maritime security while deepening military ties between the two countries.
For Kenya, the training offers an opportunity to improve the operational capacity of the Kenya Navy and expose its personnel to advanced naval tactics used by one of Europe’s leading military powers.