Following the successful completion of Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 and organized harbour activities at Port Victoria, Kenya Navy ships departed Seychelles with precision and naval decorum. The departure seamlessly transitioned into a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) and farewell manoeuvres with the Seychelles Coast Guard surface assets, marking the conclusion of a fruitful engagement and reaffirming the shared commitment to maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean.
After the farewell PASSEX, the ships commenced Leg Two of structured practical training for Officers Under Training, refining operational evolutions initiated earlier in the deployment.
Upon entering the designated Area of Operations, the ships inaugurated Operation BAHARI MOJA 02, prioritizing efforts to counter Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, irregular migration, and narcotics trafficking, while exploiting every opportunity to deter and prevent illicit maritime activities. To achieve these objectives, Kenya deployed two surface assets, while Mauritius contributed one surface vessel and a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).
Throughout the four-day operation, participating units maintained a strong presence across the expansive maritime space, interrogating multiple vessels encountered at sea. These actions reassured regional stakeholders of the ability to sustain maritime security forces at sea and safeguard vital Sea Lanes of Communication. The combined effort enhanced interoperability, standardized joint operational procedures under the regional maritime security architecture, and reinforced collective vigilance.
At the conclusion of the operation, the Kenya Navy and the Mauritius National Coast Guard executed coordinated fleet manoeuvres supported by precise MPA cueing, demonstrating professionalism, operational growth, and strengthened partnership.
Upon arrival in Port Louis, the ships were received with full naval ceremony, marking the commencement of harbour engagements. The KDF Command aboard Kenya Navy Ship JASIRI paid courtesy calls on Mr. Sooroojebally, Commissioner of Police of the Mauritius Police Force, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Virahsawmy, Deputy Commandant of the Mauritius National Coast Guard.
Junior Officers Under Training continued their professional exposure through a familiarization visit to the Mauritius National Coast Guard Training School. The crew also explored Mauritius’ coastal heritage, participated in organized tours, engaged in a friendly football match with the Mauritius National Coast Guard, and hiked Signal Mountain—activities that fostered camaraderie while ensuring balanced rest and recreation.
In keeping with naval tradition, the Senior Officer Afloat hosted a “Request the Pleasure of Your Company” reception onboard Kenya Navy Ship JASIRI. The event was attended by senior government officials, senior police officers, and members of the Kenyan community in Mauritius, reflecting renewed energy and appreciation for Kenya’s regional maritime security contributions.
Mr. Raj Mohabeer, Officer in Charge of the Safe Seas Programme, commended Kenya’s substantial commitment of resources toward shared maritime security. The Deputy Commissioner of Police ADSU, Mr. Seebaluck, emphasized the importance of collaborative action in securing the interconnected maritime domain. He welcomed Kenya’s return to Mauritius after a decade and praised the Kenya Navy for its exemplary interdiction of one tonne of methamphetamine, noting that intelligence-driven operations deliver tangible results in today’s evolving threat environment.
The sea and harbour engagements with the Mauritius Police Force and the National Coast Guard underscored the profound impact of cooperation and coordination in securing the Sea Lanes of Communication—lifelines not only for global trade but also for the daily economic well-being of Kenya and neighboring states.
Operation BAHARI MOJA 02 and the Port Louis port call stand as a testament to enduring friendship, shared responsibility, and collective resolve in safeguarding the maritime domain.
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