The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for the Ministry of Defence Honorable Aden Duale, on Monday 14th November 2022, visited the Kenya Navy (KN) Headquarters in Mombasa.
The visit was an opportunity for the CS to familiarize himself with the roles and organization of the KN, get acquainted with the current operations KN is undertaking as well as appreciate how the KN is dealing with the emerging maritime threats in our maritime domain.
The CS was received by the Commander Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe Brigadier Yahya Abdi at the Mtongwe Jetty, and taken to the Kenya Navy Headquarters Commander where he was received by the Commander Kenya Navy Major General Jimson Mutai.
Hon. Duale was later briefed on the roles, organizations, capabilities and current state of KN at the KN Officers’ Mess.
After the briefing, the CS toured the Full Mission Bridge Simulator (FMBS) at the Kenya Navy Training College (KNTC).
The FMBS, the CS was acquainted, has been instrumental in training the KN Personnel as well as seafarers from civilian institutions, in general ship’s navigation, ship handling as well as search and rescue operations.
Later, the CS visited the Kenya Shipyard limited (KSL) Mombasa Yard. Where he was briefed on the roles, responsibilities and the achievements of the KSL.
The KSL tour ended with a visit in the Kenya Navy Ship (KNS) Shupavu which is undergoing midlife refit at the facility.
Finally, the CS was hosted on board KNS JASIRI during which he enjoyed a short sea ride.
In his address, after the sea ride, Hon. Duale thanked Commander KN for the warm reception and brief he received.
“I should say that I noted that the traditions of the Navy are very different from the other KDF Services. I have learnt so much today that will make me execute my roles of CS Defence from a point of knowledge,” he said.
The CS Defence appreciated the contribution of the KN in keeping Kenya’s territorial waters safe.
“The role you are playing of safe guarding our waters cannot be taken lightly and as the CS, I see you require upgraded equipment to deal with the emerging threats. We shall support you all we can.” he added.
In his remarks, the Commander KN stated that he looked forward to working with the CS in making sure that the defence of the Kenyan waters is well taken care of.
“The mission of KN is to defend the territorial integrity of the Kenyan waters in conjunction with other Services and we look forward to working with you in strengthening the safety of the nation,” He said.
Present during the occasion were Formation Commanders, Chief of Branches, Senior Officers, Officers and Service Members.
Source: Ministry of Defence