MOMBASA, Kenya- Kenya and the United States have renewed their commitment to maritime security cooperation during a bilateral engagement aboard the USS Ross at the Port of Mombasa.
Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe Commander Brigadier William Kiprotich led senior naval officers during a visit to the US Navy vessel on September 8, 2026.
The engagement focused on maritime security, professional exchanges and potential areas of expanded cooperation between the two navies.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the talks reinforced the longstanding defence partnership between Kenya and the United States and their shared interest in maintaining a safe and stable maritime environment.
The ministry said securing international sea lanes required sustained cooperation, intelligence and information sharing and strong partnerships between maritime forces.
It noted that oceans remained important to global trade, economic activity and the protection of national and international strategic interests.
During the visit, Brigadier Kiprotich met US Embassy in Nairobi Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns.
Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding defence and maritime cooperation between Kenya and the United States.
Kenyan and American naval personnel also exchanged professional experiences and views on emerging security challenges affecting the maritime domain.
“Naval engagements provide an important platform for strengthening professional relationships, exchanging expertise and enhancing the ability of partner nations to respond collectively to evolving maritime security challenges,” the ministry said.
Beyond the formal discussions, personnel from the two navies participated in crew-to-crew activities at Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe.
Sailors competed in a friendly football match and a chess contest intended to strengthen camaraderie and provide opportunities for informal interaction.
The ministry said the activities helped personnel from the two countries understand each other’s cultures and reinforce the values of teamwork, friendship and mutual respect.
It added that sustained naval diplomacy was important in improving interoperability and strengthening the capacity of partner forces to respond to shared threats.
The two navies plan to continue professional exchanges, joint engagements and dialogue aimed at protecting the maritime domain and supporting regional peace and security.
The USS Ross is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer operated by the United States Navy.
Its visit to Mombasa provided a platform for engagement with Kenyan naval officers and the strengthening of military cooperation between the two countries.
