Kenya Navy Officers and Sailors participating in Exercise JITEGEMEE XXVII made their first port of call at Port Victoria, Seychelles, marking the successful completion of the sea phase of Leg One of the training cruise and Operation Bahari Moja 01, conducted jointly with the Seychelles Air Force.
Their arrival concluded an intensive operational period at sea and commenced a series of harbour engagements aimed at strengthening naval diplomacy and showcasing the Kenya Navy’s presence and professionalism.
Throughout the voyage, the Officers and Sailors undertook a comprehensive range of evolutions central to their professional development. These included astronavigation, man overboard drills, emergency steering, action stations, general weapons handling, Officer of the Watch manoeuvres, firefighting, and other seamanship drills.
While alongside, the crew further enhanced their skills through Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training onboard KNS SHUPAVU during Exercise Cutlass Express 2026, boosting interoperability and boarding proficiency. The Officers also participated in a regional maritime operation, gaining invaluable exposure to real-time maritime security dynamics.
Under Operation Bahari Moja, the ships maintained dominance within their assigned Area of Operations, interrogating multiple contacts in accordance with maritime law, positively identifying vessels, and establishing patterns and trends across the expansive maritime domain. The operation reaffirmed the Kenya Navy’s commitment to maintaining presence, deterring illicit maritime activities, and contributing to collective regional vigilance.
Upon arrival in Port Victoria, the Task Unit undertook a series of naval diplomacy engagements. The Commanding Officer KNS JASIRI, Lieutenant Colonel Job Gitonga, accompanied by the Roman Catholic Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel (Fr) Dalmas Simiyu, the Commanding Officer KNS SHUPAVU, Major Emmanuel Etoot, and the International Liaison Officer to the Regional Coordination and Operations Centre (RCOC), Major Kennedy Kimundi, paid courtesy calls on the Deputy Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces, Brigadier General Jean Attala, and the Acting Commander of the Seychelles Coast Guard, Major Daniel Rosine.
Discussions underscored the importance of shared maritime security and Kenya’s pivotal role in safeguarding the Western Indian Ocean. The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces expressed appreciation for Kenya’s contributions to securing the (SLOCs), describing them as a vital daily necessity for the island nation.
Lieutenant Colonel Gitonga also conveyed a message of appreciation from the Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, to the Seychelles Defence Forces for their operational support through maritime surveillance during Operation Bahari Safi. The collaboration led to the interdiction of one tonne of methamphetamine— a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of cooperation, timely intelligence, and Seychelles’ force-multiplying surveillance capabilities.
To deepen the Junior Officers Under Training’s (JOUTs) understanding of the regional maritime security architecture, familiarisation visits were conducted at the RCOC and the National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre (NISCC). These engagements enhanced their appreciation of information fusion, centralised tasking, and coordinated responses—key competencies as Kenya continues its tenure as Chair of Working Group 3 of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment.
Following the demanding sea phase, personnel were accorded rest and recuperation through organised tours of the island, renowned for its ecotourism, rich coastal culture, and tranquillity. The visits provided an opportunity to create lasting memories while reaffirming the Kenya Defence Forces’ commitment to the welfare and well-being of its personnel. To further promote goodwill, the Kenya Navy team also played a friendly rugby match against the Seychelles Rugby Team.
In keeping with naval tradition, the Senior Officer Afloat hosted a “Request the Pleasure of Your Company” reception onboard KNS JASIRI. The event was attended by senior Seychelles government officials, including Brigadier General Attala, Kenya’s non-resident Defence Attaché to Seychelles, Colonel Louis Wataka, members of the Kenyan community, and officers from the Seychelles Defence Forces.
The first port of call at Port Victoria not only marked the successful completion of the initial operational leg but also strengthened bilateral ties, enhanced regional cooperation, and reaffirmed the Kenya Navy’s professionalism, planning capability, and steadfast commitment to maritime security and naval development.
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