Operation Southern Readiness 2026 (K-OSR 26) officially began on 26 January 2026 at the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa County. The four-day exercise was inaugurated by the Commander Kenya Navy Base (KNB) Mtongwe, Brigadier William Kiprotich.
The exercise is jointly organized by the Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) and the Kenya Navy. It brings together participants from Combined Maritime Forces member states, partner nations and Kenyan maritime security institutions and agencies. Its objective is to strengthen cohesion and promote shared maritime security efforts among participating nations and agencies.
In his keynote address, Brigadier Kiprotich underscored the shared responsibility of nations in addressing maritime security challenges. “We gather here under the Combined Maritime Forces motto, ‘Ready Together.’ This motto encapsulates our mission over the next four days. We know all too well that no single nation can secure the seas alone. The threats we face such as piracy, illicit trafficking and environmental hazards are transnational in nature. They demand a unified and operationally focused response,” Brigadier Kiprotich said.
Commander CTF 154, Commodore Andrea Bielli, commended the KDF, Kenya Navy and Bandari Maritime Academy for hosting the event, highlighting the signifance of the joint exercise. “I commend the KDF, Kenya Navy and Bandari Maritime Academy for hosting this important exercise. Your leadership and vision continue to inspire regional and international partners alike. As we embark on these drills and discussions, let us remember that our work here extends beyond tactical manoeuvres. It is about building resilience, fostering mutual respect and ensuring that future generations inherit seas that are secure and prosperous,” he said.
Dr. Eric Katana, CEO of Bandari Maritime Academy, welcomed the participants and reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to cultivating a highly skilled maritime workforce. He emphasized that this mission is vital not only for advancing Kenya’s maritime industry but also for supporting the expansive Blue Economy. He further noted that Operation Southern Readiness 2026 aligns seamlessly with the academy’s efforts to elevate professional standards, build capacity and foster international cooperation across the maritime sector.
This marks the first time Operation Southern Readiness has been hosted in Kenya. The exercise represents a major milestone in the country’s defense and maritime security framework, underscoring the Kenya Navy’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding national interests while promoting peace and stability across the Western Indian Ocean.
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