By John Kariuki
Geoffrey Kaituko, the Deputy Head of Mission in Rome and outgoing Principal Secretary of the State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs, has been at the forefront of strengthening maritime cooperation between Kenya and India. On the occasion of India’s National Maritime Day, Kaituko expressed his heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Namgya Khampa, the Indian High Commissioner, and reflected on the ongoing partnership that has reached unprecedented levels in recent years.
As the outgoing Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs and Chair of the National Maritime Security Committee, Kaituko has played a pivotal role in fostering Kenya’s maritime security initiatives. His leadership has been instrumental in supporting collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing regional security in the Indian Ocean, with a special focus on two significant maritime initiatives: IOS Sagar and AIKEYME. These programs are designed to improve safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region, and Kaituko was keen to commend both India and Tanzania for their involvement in conceiving and implementing these initiatives.
"On behalf of the Government of Kenya, I am delighted to recognize the immense strides that have been made in promoting maritime safety in our region," Kaituko stated. "The efforts by India, particularly in pioneering IOS Sagar and AIKEYME, are invaluable in ensuring that our naval forces are prepared to tackle the challenges we face in the Indian Ocean. This collaboration is a testament to the strength of the bond between Kenya and India."
Under Kaituko's guidance, Kenya has seen significant milestones in its maritime relations with India. In the last year, four Indian Navy ships made port calls at Mombasa, and in December 2023, INS Sumedha became the first Indian warship to dock at Port Lamu. These visits underscore the deepening ties between the two countries and set the stage for further cooperation in maritime security.
One of the most notable acts of solidarity was in May 2024, when the Indian Navy provided vital Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials to Kenya during devastating floods. This gesture, according to Kaituko, exemplified India’s role as a true friend and neighbor—always willing to extend a helping hand in times of crisis.
“India’s generosity during the floods of May 2024, when the Indian Navy sent aid to Kenya without being asked, highlighted the strong friendship between our nations,” said Kaituko. "It is in these moments that we realize the true value of partnerships and the strength of regional cooperation."
Currently, six Kenya Navy personnel are training aboard INS Sunayna, the designated Indian Ocean Ship Sagar, for two months. This joint training initiative is part of Kenya’s broader efforts to build greater interoperability with regional partners. In addition, the maiden edition of AIKEYME has seen two Kenya Navy ships, Jasiri and Shupavu, participate alongside Indian naval forces, with four Kenya Navy observers taking part in the exercise. Kaituko highlighted the importance of such collaborations in ensuring a more secure maritime environment.
“Through exercises like AIKEYME, we are not only building stronger ties with India but also ensuring that our naval forces are better equipped to address regional maritime security challenges,” he added.
Kaituko’s leadership has been instrumental in driving these collaborative efforts, ensuring that Kenya remains an active participant in regional maritime security initiatives. His vision for a secure and stable Indian Ocean Region is one that has been shared by Kenya’s naval forces, as well as regional and international partners.
“I am confident that initiatives like IOS Sagar and AIKEYME will continue to bring Kenya and India closer together as we work to address the pressing maritime security issues facing our region,” Kaituko concluded.
As he prepares to transition from his role as Principal Secretary, Kaituko remains optimistic about the future of Kenya’s maritime relations, particularly with India, and the continued success of joint efforts aimed at securing the Indian Ocean. He concluded his message with well-wishes for all the nations participating in the maritime initiatives, expressing hopes for continued success, fair winds, and following seas.
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