The Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay recently took a significant step towards advancing personnel welfare, inclusivity and mission readiness with the inauguration of the Gender Sensitive Office and unveiling of new maternity equipment at the Kenya Navy Base (KNB) Manda Bay in Magogoni, Lamu County.
The ceremony was officiated by Brigadier Lazarus Wafula, Commander KNB Manda Bay alongside Commander Senior Grade Gaard-frederiksen, the Danish Liaison Officer.
The initiative highlighted the growing importance of gender mainstreaming and strategic partnerships in enhancing Kenya Navy’s operational effectiveness.
In his remarks during the event, Brigadier Wafula praised the ongoing cooperation between Kenya and the Kingdom of Denmark.
“Today’s milestone has been achieved through the sustained partnership between the Government of Kenya and the Kingdom of Denmark, strengthening institutional capacity,” he said.
He further highlighted that the creation of the Gender Sensitive Office will substantially advance the Kenya Navy’s efforts to cultivate an inclusive, safe and supportive work environment for all service personnel.
Commander Senior Grade Gaard-Frederiksen, reaffirmed that the long-standing cooperation between Kenya and the Kingdom of Denmark is founded on partnership and shared security interests. He noted that Denmark’s engagement with Kenya seeks to enhance Kenya Defence Forces capacity to counter violent extremism while strengthening gender inclusion as a force multiplier.
“Security operations go beyond guns and bullets; gender inclusion and the trust of local communities are critical enablers of stability and mission success,” he remarked.
The newly inaugurated Gender Sensitive Office, now fully furnished, is expected to serve as a coordination centre for gender responsive initiatives, welfare support and inclusive leadership within the base. Its establishment reflects the Kenya Navy’s commitment to aligning personnel welfare with operational demands, recognising that dignity, inclusivity and wellbeing are vital components of combat readiness.
The maternity equipment will also improve healthcare services for Kenya Navy service personnel and their families, reinforcing the principle that mission readiness relies on a healthy force.
Present during the event were Senior officers, Officers, Service Members and their families.
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