The Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF), Lieutenant General John Omenda, chaired the 17th Board of Directors Meeting of Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) held on 30 January 2026 at the Mombasa Shipyard.

The meeting focused on reviewing and evaluating the progress of ongoing shipbuilding and vessel repair and maintenance projects being undertaken by the shipyard.

In attendance were the Principal Secretary for Defence, Dr. Patrick Mariru; Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter; Commander Kenya Air Force, Major General Bernard Waliaula; Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno; Director General, Defence National Security Industries (DNSI), Major General Faustino Lobaly; Managing Director, Kenya Shipyards Limited, Major General Said Farah; representatives from the Ministry of Industrialization Mr Ernest Lukayu, the National Treasury Mr. Mark Ngecho, and the State Department for Maritime Affairs Maj (Rtd) George Okong’o; as well as Independent Directors Hon. Millicent Omanga, Ms. Maryanne Karanja, and Mr. Simon Mwachia.

During the session, the Managing Director of KSL, Major General Said Farah, highlighted the shipyard’s strategic role in enhancing the operational readiness of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), supporting Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and serving the private sector. He emphasized KSL’s contribution to national security and its growing role in promoting economic development.

He further underscored Kenya Shipyards Limited’s pivotal role in advancing the Government’s Blue Economy agenda and strengthening regional maritime capabilities. The Board was also briefed on key ongoing projects at the Mombasa facility, including shipbuilding programs and vessel maintenance and repair activities.

Following the meeting, Lieutenant General Omenda toured the shipyard, interacted with technical personnel, and inspected major infrastructure upgrades currently underway. His visit reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to revitalizing the maritime sector and supporting the growth of Kenya Shipyards Limited as a regional centre of excellence in shipbuilding and marine engineering.

Established as a State Corporation under the Ministry of Defence, Kenya Shipyards Limited continues to rapidly emerge as a hub for shipbuilding and marine engineering in the East African region. The Company remains committed to driving innovation, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to Kenya’s vision of becoming a self-reliant, industrialized maritime nation.