Kenya Navy soldiers are set to benefit from world-class training after the United Kingdom sent a Ksh19 billion Royal Navy ship to the country's Coastal region.
A statement from the UK Embassy in Kenya indicated that the HMS Kent, a Type 23 Frigate, docked in Mombasa City on Wednesday, November 3, and will be in the port until Saturday, November 6.
While visiting, the ship’s company will conduct training exercises with members of Kenya’s Special Operations Squadron (SOS).
UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, visited the ship and the Kenya Navy Training College (KNTC) where he met Lt Colonel Vincent Rono, Deputy Commandant of the KNTC, reaffirming Britain’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s security and the close partnership of the two nations.
Heappey noted that the partnership proved that UK was committed to partnering with Kenya in boosting security and Military activities.
“The training partnership between the Royal Navy and the Kenya Navy Training College is reflective of the UK’s commitment to the security and prosperity of Kenya and its people.
“Kenya is the UK’s closest ally in East Africa and, working together, we are committed to keeping East Africa’s seas safe and allowing trade to pass freely through the region," he stated.
During the ship’s visit, Royal Navy sailors will train with Kenyan counterparts in firefighting and damage control scenarios.
Meanwhile, Royal Marines from 42 Commando will conduct boarding exercises with Kenya’s Special Boat Unit, part of the Special Operations Squadron.
According to the Ministry of Defence in UK, the HMS Kent is one of the newest Type 23 Frigate within the Royal Navy arsenal.
It was built by BAE Systems on the Clyde and was launched on May 27, 1998, by Princess Alexandra of Kent.
Matt Sykes is currently the commander of the ship which has a total range of more 7,800 miles and can accommodate 185 personnel.
After docking at Mombasa, Sykes noted that he was elated by the welcome his team received upon arrival.
“It is a pleasure to be welcomed to Kenya, a country which has a vital role to play in security in the region. Our joint training exercises during this visit will help to strengthen our capabilities and partnership, improving our ability to maintain security in the Indian Ocean," he stated.
HMS Kent continues to operate as part of the UK Carrier Strike Group, having recently sailed to the Indo-Pacific alongside the UK’s flagship aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The Group is currently spread over a significant geographical distance ranging from the northern Arabian Sea to the western Indian Ocean.
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