Two Royal Navy vessels, HMS Dragon and RFA Lyme Bay, have arrived at the Port of Mombasa as part of ongoing defence collaboration between Kenya and the United Kingdom. The ships are in the region for routine maintenance and resupply after training exercises and offer the UK additional options for multinational maritime security missions, including in the Strait of Hormuz.

Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership

The visit coincides with the implementation of the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership 2025-2030, launched in London in July 2025 by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. This five-year framework aims to deepen cooperation across security, green growth, climate action, and technology.

Security collaboration under the partnership focuses on joint efforts against regional terrorism, cyber threats, illicit finance, and organised crime. A renewed UK-Kenya Security Compact also addresses emerging risks such as digital threats, irregular migration, and maritime security.

Defence Cooperation Highlights

  • The presence of HMS Dragon, a Type 45 air defence destroyer, enhances capabilities against aerial threats and supports disaster relief and counter-narcotics operations.
  • RFA Lyme Bay, a versatile landing ship, facilitates amphibious operations, humanitarian aid, and NATO missions.
  • Kenya Navy representatives, including Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa, expressed appreciation for UK support in strengthening Kenya’s maritime forces, notably the Kenya Marine Commando Unit.

A reception held in Mombasa brought together senior political leaders, defence officials, and business representatives to celebrate the partnership and shared commitment to regional stability and prosperity.

Diana Dalton, Deputy British High Commissioner to Kenya, emphasised the depth of UK-Kenya security ties and their role in fostering safer communities and economic growth in East Africa.

This visit exemplifies the practical cooperation envisaged in the Strategic Partnership as both countries work towards enhanced regional security and resilience.