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Defence Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale has led a Kenyan delegation to the USA to discus regional security, implementation of the Bilateral Frameworks counterterrorism, impact of climate change, joint training, and maritime security.

Duale will be hosted by his US counterpart Lloyd Austin III.

According to the Department of Defence (DoD) headquarters, the visit follows the Signing of Defence Cooperation Framework on September 25, 2023 in Kenya aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States.

The United States pledged to support the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) by providing robust financial and logistical assistance of up to about Sh16 billion (USD100 million).

Also lined up for Duale are meetings with the acting deputy secretary of State Amb Victoria Nuland, Members of the US National Security Council and Senators. The cabinet secretary will also deliver a lecture at the National Defence University in Washington DC.

Expand cooperation

The Framework that shall be effective between 2023-2028 shall help Kenya and the US expand their cooperation in the fields of defence technology and innovation, that shall enable the two militaries respond effectively to the ever-evolving security challenges.

On January 30, the US military’s Africa Command (AFRICOM) handed over Sh220million of state-of-the-art, personal protective equipment to the KDF.

The equipment will provide enhanced defense capabilities during ongoing counterterrorism and peacekeeping operations.

The grant includes 6,730 pieces of cutting-edge equipment that will enhance the safety and capabilities of the KDF service members.

According to the US Embassy Nairobi, the comprehensive donation includes soft body armor and ballistic helmets designed to protect against small arms fire, as well as ballistic plates designed to withstand heavier ammunition.

The advanced protective items are essential for ensuring the security and effectiveness of Kenya’s military personnel, according to the KDF.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) Eastern Command, Major General Juma Mwinyika the goodwill and partnership would go a long way in reinforcing Kenya’s capabilities and readiness to address evolving security challenges in the region.

“What is left for us at the tactical and operational level is to do much more. At strategic level, we have good support from the United States,” Maj-Gen Mwinyika said.

“This donation underscores the United States’ commitment to supporting the security efforts of our international partners and fostering a free, open, and stable international order,” said Maj-Gen Kenneth Ekman at U.S. AFRICOM.

Kenya had made a request to the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during his recent historic visit in September 2023. The visit was the first to Kenya by a US Secretary of Defense in 47 years.

Regional peace

The US has also said they are committed to partnering with Kenya to ensure regional peace and stability, and also to working collaboratively with African partners to promote security, prosperity, and the well-being of people across the continent.

Two weeks ago, the US Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, and Africom commander, travelled to Nairobi and met Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Chief of Defence Gen. Francis Ogola, as well as Meg Whitman, the US Ambassador to Kenya.

They conducted troop engagements and visited Manda Bay as well, before departing to Somalia. The leaders reaffirmed their strong bilateral security relationship and discussed areas for future cooperation.