Made in Kenya, trained by the UK: The first-ever Kenyan marines unit

The first-ever Kenyan Marine Commando Unit (KMCU) has made history by completing its basic training, under the guidance of Royal Marines.

The personnel marked the momentous occasion with a passing-out parade at Mtongwe Naval Base in Mombasa.

The KMCU will be an elite fighting force, capable of conducting special amphibious operations to tackle sea threats to Kenya and fight militant group Al-Shabaab by sea and land.

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The Kenyan Marines were trained by 10 Royal Marines from 40 Commando over 12 weeks.

Potential recruits were selected from the Kenyan military, with the programme including a UK-funded obstacle course that is a near identical replica of that used by Royal Marine recruits at Lympstone.

Now, the first cohort of Kenyan Marines have started a self-sustaining training cycle, allowing the Kenyan Navy to eventually train their own marine commandos.

The creation of the KMCU is part of the UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership, a five-year agreement aimed at delivering mutual benefits to both countries – underpinned by the Defence Co-operation Agreement that provided the training programme.

The US military is also an integral part of the creation of the KCMU, ensuring the specialist force are equipped to the highest standard.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriot said the UK, US and Kenya 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," she said.