The European Union has donated non-lethal military equipment to the Kenya Navy, the Daily Nation reported. The handover took place on Tuesday at Kenya Navy Headquarters in Mombasa. The donation was made under the European Peace Facility (EPF). The government-run Kenya News Agency put the value of the equipment at KSh 3 billion.
Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Otieno received the equipment from Maciej Stadejek. Stadejek is Director for Peace, Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Service. EU Ambassador to Kenya Andreas Peschke accompanied him. The equipment will go to the Kenya Navy Special Operations Squadron, a unit that handles complex maritime security threats. Otieno said it will make the unit's personnel safer, more ready and more effective.
Otieno called the handover an important milestone in Kenya-EU defence cooperation. He said it was more than a transfer of equipment. He described it as "a tangible expression of confidence in Kenya as a reliable security partner." He said the two sides share a commitment to international law, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and to a rules-based order.
The commander said Kenya brings its strategic location, operational experience and long record on regional stability to the partnership. The EU, he said, brings global reach, expertise and support for African-led solutions to African security problems.
Otieno said Kenya's position on the Western Indian Ocean puts it at the heart of a key corridor for trade and the Blue Economy. He warned that the same waters face persistent threats. He listed maritime terrorism, piracy, armed robbery at sea, and the trafficking of drugs, arms and people. He also named illegal fishing and risks to critical maritime infrastructure. He said maritime security is a shared responsibility. It demands capable navies, information sharing and close coordination with international partners.
Stadejek said the 27 EU member states paid for the consignment. He said it was the first package and would not be the last. He added that the EU is committed to continued defence support as Kenya works to stabilise itself and the wider region. Ambassador Peschke said the support will boost the operational capacity of the Kenya Defence Forces.