On 25 March 2026, Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno and Commander United States (US) Naval Forces Europe and Africa/Commander Allied Forces Command, Admiral George M. Wikoff, commissioned the Kenya Navy Marine Range and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Complex at Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe in Mombasa County. The new facility is set to significantly enhance the operational readiness of Kenya Navy Marine Commandos by offering a modern and specialised training environment.
The commissioning of the facility coincided with the conclusion of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2026, a joint Operation that enhanced interoperability among participating forces. The operation brought together the Kenya Navy, US Navy and INTERPOL, focusing on improving maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response to emerging threats within the Western Indian Ocean. Through coordinated operations, the exercise strengthened efforts to detect, deter and neutralize illicit activities within the Western Indian Ocean.
During their engagements, Major General Otieno and Admiral Wikoff held discussions centred on deepening defence cooperation, with particular emphasis on maritime security, joint training initiatives, counterterrorism collaboration and the integration of advanced technology to sustain regional maritime security operations.
Major General Otieno commended the longstanding partnership between Kenya and the United States, reaffirming the Kenya Navy commitment to enhancing joint operational readiness and maintaining a proactive approach in safeguarding both national and regional maritime interests.
Overall, the event underscored the enduring ties between the two nations and their shared resolve to promote stability and effectively address evolving maritime security threats in the Western Indian Ocean region.
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