NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 24 — Commander of the Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, has concluded a high-level strategic visit to India, participating in key international maritime security engagements.
According to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the visit, which ran from February 16 to 23, 2026, highlighted Kenya’s commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous Indian Ocean Region (IOR), vital to global trade, energy security, and sustainable development.
During the visit, Maj Gen Otieno took part in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN, the 9th Conclave of Chiefs of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS CoC), and the 5th Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC 2026).
“Discussions focused on enhancing maritime cooperation, operational interoperability, and coordinated responses to evolving threats including piracy, trafficking, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, dark shipping, and climate-related risks,” KDF stated.
Maj Gen Otieno also met with Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Western Naval Command, to highlight the growing Kenya–India defence partnership.
Talks emphasized expanded naval cooperation in training, joint operations, and safeguarding the Western Indian Ocean under a rules-based maritime order.
At the IONS Conclave on February 20, attended by Chiefs of Navies and maritime security leaders from 33 countries, the Kenya Navy was elected Chair of IONS for the 2030–2032 period, a recognition of Kenya’s leadership in regional maritime security.
The visit also marked Kenya’s first participation at the Goa Maritime Conclave on February 21. Maj Gen Otieno highlighted the success of Kenya-led Operation Bahari Safi in combating drug trafficking and called for strengthened regional cooperation and capacity building.
Further strengthening defence ties, Maj Gen Otieno visited Goa Shipyard Limited and Zen Technologies in Delhi, exploring joint shipbuilding, technology transfer, and co-development opportunities. He praised Zen Technologies’ simulation systems for enhancing operational readiness and mission planning.
The Commander also met Kenya’s High Commissioner to India, H.E. Peter Maina Munyiri, at the Kenyan High Commission in New Delhi, where discussions focused on expanding bilateral defence cooperation in shipbuilding, capability development, and training to counter emerging maritime threats.
“The visit underscores Kenya’s commitment to collective maritime security and strengthens partnerships across the Indian Ocean Region,” KDF said.
