Commander Kenya Navy Major General Paul Otieno joined global naval leaders, maritime industry experts, and scholars at the Combined Naval Event (CNE) held from May 20β22, 2025, in Farnborough, United Kingdom.
The high-profile gathering served as a platform for exchanging insights on the future of maritime security, fleet innovations, and strategic naval cooperation.
The CNE, regarded as a premier international forum, featured discussions on evolving naval strategies, the future of surface fleets, underwater defence, and the integration of emerging technologies in surface and submarine operations.
Major General Otieno toured advanced maritime exhibitions by leading defence and technology firms including Thales, Leonardo, and BAE Systems, engaging with innovations poised to shape the next generation of surface fleet capabilities.
Ahead of the main event, Maj. Gen. Otieno held bilateral talks with Commodore Tim Green, Commander of Naval Forces London and East England Region, and Commodore Andrew Ainsley, Deputy Commander of the UK Strike Force. The discussions aimed at enhancing Kenya-UK naval collaboration in areas of mutual strategic interest.
He also paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Catherine Karemu, Kenyaβs High Commissioner to the UK and accredited delegate to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), further reinforcing Kenyaβs commitment to global maritime dialogue and cooperation.
In addition to the event, the Commander visited the Joint Maritime Security Centre and Her Majestyβs Ship (HMS) Mersey in Portsmouth.
The visit offered first-hand insights into the capabilities of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and showcased integrated technologies such as Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), which are increasingly central to modern naval operations.
Accompanying Maj. Gen. Otieno were Brigadier (Dr) Justino Muinde, Chief of Naval Medical Services; Colonel Abdirizak Dagane, Kenyaβs Defence Advisor to the UK; and Lieutenant Colonel Gavin Kasyoka, General Manager Commercial Services at Kenya Shipyards Limited.
The Kenya Navyβs participation underscores the countryβs growing role in international maritime security and its commitment to modernizing naval operations through strategic partnerships and technology adoption.
