The need for stronger naval partnerships, enhanced maritime domain awareness and coordinated responses to emerging maritime threats has become increasingly important as maritime trade, blue economy activities and strategic sea lines of communication continue to expand. Recognising the critical role of maritime security in supporting economic prosperity, regional stability and collective security, Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa’s maritime security and governance agenda during the 6th Sea Power for Africa Symposium (SPAS 2026) and the Nigerian Navy’s 70th Anniversary celebrations held in Lagos, Nigeria, recently.
Representing the KDF, Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa, Deputy Commander Kenya Navy, joined Heads of Navies and Coast Guards, defence policymakers and international partners in discussions focused on strengthening maritime cooperation, enhancing interoperability and developing collective approaches to emerging security challenges across Africa’s maritime domain.
As a leading maritime nation along the Western Indian Ocean, Kenya continues to play a significant role in promoting maritime security, safety and stability both within the region and across the continent. Through active participation in regional and international frameworks such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC), Regional Maritime Security Architecture (RMSA) and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), Kenya has consistently supported efforts aimed at strengthening maritime governance, enhancing maritime domain awareness and improving coordinated security responses.
The symposium highlighted the growing importance of collective action in addressing persistent maritime threats, including illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy, armed robbery at sea and other forms of transnational maritime crime. Participants underscored the need for enhanced information sharing, stronger institutional cooperation and integrated maritime security mechanisms to safeguard Africa’s maritime interests and protect critical sea routes that underpin regional and global commerce.
On the sidelines of the symposium, Brigadier Kiswaa held bilateral engagements with the Chiefs of Navy of Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in naval interoperability, professional military education, maritime domain awareness, operational collaboration and information sharing. The engagements reinforced the shared commitment among African navies to deepen partnerships and strengthen collective maritime security capabilities.
The symposium provided a valuable platform for advancing Africa-led solutions to maritime security and governance challenges while fostering greater collaboration among regional and international maritime stakeholders. As Africa’s maritime domain continues to grow in strategic and economic significance, Kenya remains committed to working closely with African navies, friendly foreign navies and international partners to promote a secure, rules-based and prosperous maritime environment that supports peace, economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.
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