Manda, Lamu – President Uhuru Kenyatta reminded Kenyans to play their civic duty to secure the country, saying that Kenya’s security, freedom and prosperity are not the preserve of state security mechanisms.

“Our communities and indeed every citizen must also play their part. Therefore, I call on local communities and leaders to work with security agencies to achieve the success we want,” said the president.

The head of state spoke Thursday in Lamu County during the presentation of the presidential and regimental colors at the Kenyan naval base in Manda Bay, an exercise that will see the military installation acquire expanded operational autonomy. that it is preparing to become a more geostrategic tool. for national, regional and global security operations.

The president stressed that the multidimensional nature of the security challenges facing the country calls for greater cooperation between citizens and the country’s security agencies.

Regarding the role played by the Kenyan navy Manda Bay in the complex security architecture of the country, the head of state said that the frontline military installation plays a vital role in the defense of Kenya’s sovereignty, the maintaining territorial integrity and securing the country’s maritime borders.

“Given the growing investments in this part of our country and the promise of the maritime domain, Manda is an invaluable listening and watch tower for Kenya and Kenyans.

“Every day, in ways big and small, you embody the best of Kenya. You are the vanguards of our democracy and the guarantors of our security, peace and freedoms,” the president told attached military officers. at the naval base. .

In order to achieve the country’s development program without external disturbance, President Kenyatta said that the expansion of the operational autonomy of the naval base is aimed at establishing a military installation with adequate capacity to respond to all forms of enemy aggression.

“The Kenyan naval base at Manda Bay is of the utmost importance in strengthening counterterrorism efforts and maritime security, in addition to protecting the country’s port infrastructure. In addition, this base strengthens security in the region and protects vital trade routes which are the cornerstone of international trade, ”President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State has named Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport Corridor (LAPSSET) projects such as the new port, roads and other supporting infrastructure as some of the valued national and international investments that the base military is responsible for proactively protecting. Round the clock.

“The LAPSSET project and Hindi road improvements in Bargoni, Bodhei, Baure and Kiunga are underway. We are firmly committed to making the Boni region a peaceful and stable economic center. These infrastructure projects will support the livelihoods of our people in the region, “said the president.

He stressed that emerging maritime security challenges require responsive multilateral approaches, saying Kenya will continue to actively engage with its partners to improve its naval capabilities, and assured that the government will continue to allocate adequate resources. to the Kenya Defense Forces to enable them to fulfill their mandate. to protect the interests of the country.

Kenya Defense Forces Chief Gen. Robert Kibochi said Kenyan navy base at Manda Bay is a strategic facility recognized for its central role in securing maritime trade in the Indian Ocean from the archipelago. by Lamu.

He said the military base trauma center, officially commissioned by President Kenyatta, serves multi-agency local, regional and international security operations in the region, including AMISOM.

Cabinet Secretary of Defense Monica Juma, Governor Lamu Fahim Twaha, KDF commanders, retired military generals and several senior government officials attended the colorful ceremony, also addressed by the Navy Commander Kenyan Major-General Jimson Mutai.