The Kenya Navy Base in Manda Bay has launched a furnished Gender Sensitive Office and unveiled new maternity equipment at the Kenya Navy Base (KNB) Manda Bay in Magogoni, Lamu County.
The ceremony was officiated by Brigadier Lazarus Wafula, Commander KNB Manda Bay alongside Commander Senior Grade Gaard-frederiksen, the Danish Liaison Officer on Wednesday Dec 10.
The initiative, supported through a strategic partnership between Kenya and the Kingdom of Denmark, underscored the growing focus on gender inclusion as a core component of naval effectiveness.
Brigadier Wafula commended the continued cooperation between the two nations, noting that the milestone reflects a sustained effort to strengthen institutional capacity and improve the welfare of service members.
“Today’s milestone has been achieved through the sustained partnership between the Government of Kenya and the Kingdom of Denmark, strengthening institutional capacity,” he said.
The newly inaugurated office would function as the coordination centre for gender-responsive programs, welfare initiatives and inclusive leadership development.
Its creation signals the Navy’s commitment to aligning personnel dignity and well-being with mission demands.
The upgraded maternity equipment is expected to strengthen healthcare services for Navy personnel and their families, further reinforcing the idea that operational readiness depended on a healthy and well-supported force.
He emphasized that the establishment of the Gender Sensitive Office will significantly bolster the Navy’s drive to create an inclusive, safe and supportive environment for all personnel, an important pillar of operational efficiency.
Commander Senior Grade Gaard-Frederiksen reaffirmed Denmark’s long-standing partnership with Kenya, rooted in shared security priorities. He highlighted that Denmark’s support aims to enhance KDF’s ability to counter violent extremism while promoting gender inclusion as a vital force multiplier.
“Security operations go beyond guns and bullets; gender inclusion and the trust of local communities are critical enablers of stability and mission success,” he said.
