Kenya is calling for stronger African cooperation to address piracy, transnational maritime crime, geopolitical uncertainty and emerging technological threats that affect shipping routes, maritime trade and the continent’s economic interests.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), through the Kenya Navy, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to maritime security cooperation at the inaugural African Maritime Security Forum, held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, Ghana.
Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy, Brigadier John Sankale Kiswaa, represented Kenya at the forum, which brought together senior naval officers, maritime security experts and international partners to discuss “The African Maritime Landscape in Times of Geopolitical Uncertainty in 2026 and Beyond.”
Brigadier Kiswaa joined naval representatives from Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa on a high-level panel on maritime governance. The panel examined maritime security coordination, intelligence and information sharing, new technologies and joint responses to emerging threats at sea.
The forum highlighted how maritime security challenges affect different regions across Africa and the need for cooperation between the Western Indian Ocean and other maritime regions to protect sea lanes, support shipping and tackle transnational maritime crime.
During the forum, Brigadier Kiswaa, representing the Commander of the Kenya Navy, also paid a courtesy visit to KAIPTC Commandant Air Vice Marshal David Anetey Akrong. They discussed defence cooperation through instructor exchanges, professional military education, expertise sharing and joint maritime capacity development.
Kenya’s participation highlighted its role in maritime security efforts across the Western Indian Ocean and its cooperation with other African countries on shared maritime security challenges.
Through continued cooperation with regional and continental partners, the Kenya Navy contributes to the protection of Africa’s maritime domain, vital shipping routes and the stability of maritime trade.
source: Kenya Ministry of Defence
