Kenya strengthens maritime defense ties with US, UK, France to secure shipping lanes

KENYA – Kenya has strengthened maritime defense cooperation with the US, the UK and France to secure shipping lanes across the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, as threats from Houthi rebels in Yemen and Somali pirates heighten risks for the Ports of Mombasa and Lamu.

The policy shift has been more pronounced this year, especially after the US-Iran war that erupted in February. Last week, Kenya hosted two British military ships in Mombasa, signalling a deepening of the defense relationship.

Growing Military Partnerships and Regional Security

British Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya, Diana Dalton, described the relationship as one of Britain’s deepest security partnerships with an African country. “The UK and Kenya’s security relationship is one of the deepest in Africa. Through our defense partnership, we are working to strengthen cooperation and build professional capability.”

HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, is primarily designed to counter aerial threats but can also undertake disaster-relief operations. RFA Lyme Bay can transport soldiers, vehicles, stores and support amphibious operations and humanitarian assistance.

These vessels aren’t the first to arrive this year. In March, the French Navy’s amphibious assault ship Dixmude and frigate Aconit docked in Mombasa, accompanied by more than 800 personnel.

In addition, Italian Navy vessels arrived in February as part of an anti-piracy mission. Last October, Kenya signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement with France covering maritime security, counter-piracy operations, intelligence sharing, and joint training.

Port Economic Significance and Growing Traffic

Mombasa handled a record 45.45 million tonnes of cargo in 2025, including 15.88 million tonnes destined for neighbouring countries. Container throughput reached a historic 2.11 million TEUs.

Meanwhile, Lamu, Kenya’s second maritime gateway, has seen vessel traffic surge to 167 vessels since January, up from fewer than 50 in the same period last year, as disruptions to Middle East shipping routes redirect cargo away from traditional transhipment hubs.

Risks and Information Sharing

Kenya formally joined the US-led anti-Houthi coalition on 28 May 2024. Although the Houthis haven’t directly targeted Kenya, the country remains on alert and shares information via the Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing (IORIS) platform, enabling agencies from different countries to exchange information and coordinate operations.

Finally, Kenya’s proactive approach, through joint exercises and information platforms, aims to ensure regional security and uninterrupted global commerce.

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