Kenya’s marine troops have undergone training by the UK Royal Marines.

The Kenyan Marine Commando Unit (KMCU) recently participated in a training exercise led by the United Kingdom’s Royal Marines. The training coincided with a visit by HMS Lancaster, a British Royal Navy frigate, to Kenya.

During the exercise, KMCU engaged in various training activities, including practical demonstrations of visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) techniques—methods commonly used to combat piracy, terrorism, and smuggling. The creation of the KMCU is part of a five-year partnership between the UK and Kenya aimed at enabling the Kenyan Navy to operate independently and train their own commandos.

Neil Wigan, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, remarked, “It’s fantastic to see that the UK and Kenya have taken advantage of this opportunity to add serious value to the Kenyan Marines training program – a great example of how our security partnership is making a real difference to Kenya’s military capacity and capability.”

Commander Chris Sharp of the Royal Navy, Commanding Officer of HMS Lancaster, added, “HMS Lancaster’s visit to Kenya is a fantastic opportunity for Lancaster’s Royal Marines to train and exercise boarding operations with the Kenyan Marine Commando Unit, contributing to the UK and Kenya’s joint commitment to improve regional stability and security.”

HMS Lancaster, equipped with a range of weaponry and sensors, visited the Port of Mombasa. During its stay, the vessel participated in various activities, including drug interdictions and security exercises.