Kenya Navy receives first equipment under Sh3bn EU defence support

NAIROBI,Kenya, Nov 5- The European Union has committed Sh3 billion in military support to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), with the Kenya Navy among the main beneficiaries in a partnership aimed at strengthening maritime security and regional stability.

The first consignment of non-lethal military equipment was handed over to the Kenya Navy on Wednesday at its headquarters in Mtongwe, Mombasa, under the EU’s European Peace Facility (EPF).

In a statement, the EU said the Sh3 billion support was financed by its Member States and marked the first time Kenya was receiving assistance through the European Peace Facility.

“Today, Europe and Kenya take our partnership to the sea. For the first time, Kenya receives European Peace Facility support: KSh3 billion for the Kenyan Defence Forces, financed by EU Member States, with the Kenya Navy among the main beneficiaries,” the EU said.

The equipment is intended to strengthen the operational capacity of the Kenya Navy’s Special Operations Squadron, particularly its Diving Unit and Kenya Navy Marines, by improving personnel safety, operational readiness and effectiveness during specialised maritime missions.

The handover was led by Maciej Stadejek, Deputy Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Service, alongside EU Ambassador to Kenya Andreas Peschke.

The development comes as Kenya and the EU mark 50 years of diplomatic relations and reflects growing defence cooperation between the two partners.

Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Otieno described the handover as a significant milestone, saying the assistance demonstrated the EU’s confidence in Kenya’s role as a regional security partner.

“Today’s handover under the European Peace Facility marks an important milestone in that partnership. It is more than the transfer of equipment. It is a tangible expression of confidence in Kenya as a reliable security partner,” Otieno said.

He identified piracy, maritime terrorism, illicit trafficking and illegal fishing among the threats requiring sustained cooperation between countries.

Otieno said no single country could effectively address the challenges alone, underscoring the need for stronger maritime surveillance, intelligence sharing and coordinated responses among regional and international partners.

He also pledged that the Kenya Navy would integrate the equipment into its training and operational activities while ensuring proper maintenance, accountability and responsible utilisation.

Stadejek reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s defence capabilities and supporting regional security operations.

“Today’s handover is not an isolated initiative, but part of our continued commitment to supporting Kenya as a key security partner in the region,” he said.

EU Ambassador Peschke said the assistance would contribute to protecting international trade, maritime resources and the blue economy.

“As we mark 50 years of partnership between Kenya and the EU, today’s handover demonstrates our shared commitment to strengthening maritime security and regional stability,” Peschke said.

Established in 2021 and financed through contributions from EU Member States, the European Peace Facility supports international peace and security through the provision of equipment, infrastructure and training to partner countries.

The latest assistance complements other EU security engagements in the region, including the European Union Naval Force’s Operation Atalanta in the Western Indian Ocean.

The partnership is expected to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to respond to maritime threats while contributing to the protection of strategic shipping routes and marine resources across the region.

​Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.