Kenya has been selected among 10 African countries that will be participating in naval drills with India starting next month in a bit to curtail the increasing boldness of China in the Indian Ocean. According to reports from India, the Asian country, which is rapidly forming and strengthening alliances, will also be launching a naval vessel that will include 44 personnel from African countries, including Kenya, alongside Indian personnel.
The naval exercises will mark the first time India conducts a major naval drill, called Aikeyme, with 10 African nations.
These exercises come as China expands its presence in the Indian Ocean and as threats from Somali pirates and Houthi rebels in the region increase.
Kenya will participate alongside Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa-most of whom have territories in the Indian Ocean.
