Kenya Marines: Details Of KDF's First-Ever Marine Commando Unit [VIDEO]
The unit was formed after its soldiers completed their basic training, marked by a passing-out parade at Mtongwe Naval Base in Mombasa
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The first-ever Kenyan Marine Commando Unit (KMCU) under the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) made history following its successful establishment on Friday, May 5.
The unit was formed after its soldiers completed their basic training, marked by a passing-out parade at Mtongwe Naval Base in Mombasa, the training being carried out by elite forces from the United Kingdom (UK).
A statement shared by the UK government revealed that KMCU will be an elite fighting force with the ability to conduct specialised amphibious operations to weaken and disrupt threats to Kenya and take the fight to the notorious Al-Shabaab terrorist group by land and by sea.
Below is the video:
By land.
By sea.
Taking the fight to terrorism.
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The first-ever Kenyan Marine Commandos. pic.twitter.com/qgrsJtifWk — UK in Kenya ???????????????? (@UKinKenya) May 5, 2023
"Ten (10) British Marines from 40 Commando Royal Marines trained the KMCU over 12 weeks as part of a training programme including physical fitness and amphibious assaults.
"Potential recruits were selected from the Kenyan Military to undertake a rigorous training programme. The UK-funded obstacle course that was constructed at Mtongwe Naval Base is a near identical replica of the course used at the Royal Marine Commando training base in Lympstone, UK," the UK government stated in part.
This first cohort of Marines kick-started a self-sustaining training cycle, whereby the Kenyan Navy will eventually be able to train their own Marine Commandos.
The UK government, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, hailed the joint endeavour to create the Marine Commando Unit as an example of the UK and Kenya’s enduring commitment to building a strong, capable and adaptable Kenyan Military that is already an anchor of regional stability and security.
“The UK, Kenya the US stand shoulder to shoulder in the shared endeavour of countering Al Shabaab. This history-making partnership - the creation of the first-ever Marine Commando Unit - is a clear signal of our three countries’ enduring commitment to the Kenyan Military and to regional security.” British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriot stated.
The UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership is an ambitious five-year agreement delivering mutual benefits for the UK and Kenya, and keeping our people safe; it is underpinned by the Defence Cooperation Agreement that provides the framework for this training programme.
The United States (US) Military are also an integral part of the creation of the KCMU by ensuring that this specialist and formidable force are equipped to the highest standard.
