Kenya Navy
The Commander Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe Brigadier William C Kombe, Officers and HSL Upindi II crew in a group photo during the launch of Upindi II boat at the Mtongwe jetty
Kenya Navy Base Commander Brigadier William Charo Kombe presided over the launch of Upindi II boat, a Harbour Sea Launch (HSL), at the Mtongwe jetty on 3 August 2018.
Upindi II, a newly built boat which arrived in Kenya on 26th June 2018 from India, is a two-engine boat with a passenger capacity of 120 personnel. It is 22 meters long and can cruise at a maximum speed of 14 knots. The boat is also fitted with modern navigation equipment which includes the Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS).
The boat will enhance ferrying of Kenya Navy personnel and their families across the Kilindini channel from Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe jetty to the Kenya Ports Authority pier. It joins HSL UTA which has been performing the same tasks.
The Kenya Navy personnel and their families had an opportunity to enjoy the first boat ride onboard Upindi II as it starts its operations. During the launch, the Base Commander was accompanied by the Base Admin Officer Major Mutua, Base Adjutant Major Kimondo, Capt Bando, Lt. Kiprotich and Master at Arms Warrant Officer II, Kirwa.
Commander Kenya Navy Major General Levi Franklin Mghalu inspects a Division
Commander Kenya Navy Major General Levi Franklin Mghalu presided over this year’s second phase of the Kenya Navy divisions at the Kenya Navy Mtongwe Base, on Tuesday 31 July 2018. The Navy Divisions are parades held twice a year during which the commander addresses the naval personnel, on among other things, Kenya Navy achievements, challenges met and future expectations. The Divisions help the personnel prepare for national ceremonies especially the guard of honor.
During his speech, the commander stated that Divisional Organization is a unique way of administration adopted by the Kenya Navy to give the divisional commanders a chance to appraise themselves with the general welfare and offer guidance and mentorship to their juniors.
On security issues the commander reminded all that a soldier’s key role is defending the country. He urged all to remain committed to that role by being vigilant and alert, “Terrorism is real hence everyone must be on the lookout. Positive identification of personnel entering all naval establishments and reporting of suspicious characters is everybody’s mandate,”. Additionally, he reminded all that KDF is apolitical and all soldiers should stick to the oath of allegiance. Soldiers were warned against engaging in vices such as AWOL (Absent Without Official Leave) theft, fraud, shylocking, fighting or quarreling as it is illegal in KDF.
Maj Gen Mghalu congratulated the newly promoted officers and service members and urged them to continue being committed to service. At the same time, he appreciated and thanked the Defence Headquarters for the continued support accorded to the Navy and for the provision of new equipment and renovation of establishments.Notably the refurbishment of Kenya Navy Ship-Shujaa, building of Full Mission Bridge Simulator (FMBS) and the Engine Test Cell among others were a great help to the Navy. He challenged the Kenya Navy personnel to exercise caution and professionalism while handling the establishments and equipment.
Finally, the commander challenged all to remain focused in their deployments, exercise team work and professionalism in their work and prepare accordingly for future events.
The commander was accompanied by his Deputy Brig Charles Kahariri, Commander Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe Brig. William Charo Kombe among other senior officers.