Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, presided over the closing ceremony of EXERCISE JITEGEMEE XXVI,on 22 April 2025 at the Kenya Navy Fleet, Mkunguni Jetty.
EX JITEGEMEE XXVI is an annual sea training cruise for Junior Officers Under Training (JOUTs) aimed at training Kenya Navy young officers and sailors, equipping them with the necessary sea practical skills for their future working environment.
The training builds on the theoretical knowledge the officers obtained at the Kenya Naval Training College (KNTC), offering a hands-on foundation that ensures they become skilled and effective divisional ship’s officers capable of carrying out maritime operations successfully. This year’s training cruise was especially notable for its scale and structure. It featured a significantly larger cohort of trainees and crew, including JOUTs and participants from the Junior Officers Course Executive (JOC X).
The exercise included visits to various ports in the region: Port of Mombasa, Port Victoria in Seychelles, Port Toamasina in Madagascar, and finally, Port Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, strengthening both regional collaboration and the officers’ operational exposure.
Commencing on 20 March 2025, EX JITEGEMEE XXVI marked the culmination of an intense sea training phase and included OPERATION USHIRIKIANO 4, a regional maritime security initiative conducted under the Maritime Security (MASE) program and coordinated by the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles. The objective of OPS USHIRIKIANO 4 was to enhance regional maritime cooperation and improve interoperability between the participating naval forces.
A key highlight of this year’s cruise was Kenya Navy’s active participation in the Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME), a multilateral naval exercise held off the coast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. AIKEYME aimed to strengthen strategic partnerships and develop collaborative solutions to common regional maritime challenges. On 10 April 2025, the Special Boats Unit (SBU), alongside Kenya Navy Ships (KNS) JASIRI and KNS SHUPAVU, joined Indian and Tanzanian naval counterparts in executing complex joint maneuvers, earning admiration and commendation from all participating forces.
Major General Paul Otieno, commended the officers and sailors for their outstanding performance and professionalism throughout the exercise.
He further emphasized that the presence of families at the ceremony served as a powerful reminder that behind every uniformed sailor stands a steadfast and devoted support system, reflecting on the often-unspoken contributions made by military families and their quiet sacrifices that play an integral role in the success of every operation.
“To our families, your presence here today is a powerful reminder that behind every uniform is a strong support system that holds everything together. You have endured long days and nights during this exercise period, and your unwavering support makes this service possible. On behalf of the Kenya Navy, I thank you, and may God bless you,” stated Major General Otieno.
In his remarks, Commander Kenya Navy Fleet Brigadier Mohamed Shemote commended the JOUTs for their resilience, eagerness to learn, and ability to adapt to operational challenges during EX JITEGEMEE and the multinational Exercise AIKEYME. He also reminded them to uphold the training received for their future careers.
“To the JOUTS, this training cruise marks a significant milestone in your career as you prepare to graduate. I remind you that the training you have received is not solely about operating a ship or executing commands but having leadership skills to make sound decisions as you carry out maritime operations,” said Brigadier Shemote.
Also speaking at the ceremony was Officer Tactical Command (OTC), Colonel Eliud Keter, who led the crew throughout the exercise. He praised the crew and trainees for their commitment, high morale, and performance under dynamic conditions.
The successful conclusion of this exercise underscores the Kenya Navy’s ongoing commitment to professional training, regional cooperation, and safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
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