The Kenya Navy has launched Operation Bahari Moja, a multinational initiative to counter piracy and drug trafficking in the Western Indian Ocean. Led by Major General Paul Otieno, the operation unites forces from Kenya, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar. It also provides training for junior officers under instruction.
Major General Paul Otieno, Commander of the Kenya Navy, launched the mission on February 3, 2026, during a colorful ceremony at Mkunguni Jetty in Mombasa. The Navy has deployed two of its most powerful vessels, KNS Jasiri and KNS Shupavu, to lead the newly formed multinational Operation Bahari Moja.
The operation seeks to protect the multi-billion Blue Economy by deterring narcotics trafficking, illegal fishing, and the resurgence of piracy across the Western Indian Ocean. "The Kenya Navy remains entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding our waters, defending our maritime interests and contributing to regional maritime security and cooperation," Major General Otieno stated.
Beyond combat, the mission serves as a final training ground for Junior Officers Under Training through the rigorous Exercise JITEGEMEE XXVII, sharpening their tactical skills. The officers will also join the international Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 in Seychelles, ensuring they are ready to handle complex maritime threats alongside global partners.
Kenya’s leadership in this mission follows its strategic role as the Chairperson of the Djibouti Code of Conduct, showcasing its muscle in managing regional security resources. “Your conduct, discipline and professionalism will reflect directly on the Kenya Navy and the Kenya Defence Forces as a whole,” Major General Otieno reminded the crew.
According to the Kenya Navy, the One Sea theme of the operation highlights a unified resolve to deny organised criminal networks any freedom to operate within these critical shipping lanes. This deployment is backed by high-tech information support from the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre to ensure no pirate skiff or drug dhow goes unnoticed.
The Kenya Navy has a decorated history of neutralising maritime threats, including the 2010 Kilifi engagement, where they killed three pirates who mistakenly attacked them. Past successes like Operation Linda Nchi and Operation Sanitization have crippled pirate networks, and this new mission aims to permanently seal those security gaps.
As the ships sail toward the deep sea, the Kenya Defence Forces remain committed to ensuring that the Western Indian Ocean remains a safe zone for trade.
