Kenya and Morocco have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation following a meeting between senior military officials aimed at enhancing collaboration between the two countries’ air forces.

Kenya Air Force Commander Major General Bernard Waliaula hosted Colonel Said Moustaid, the Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attaché at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Nairobi, during a courtesy call held on Monday, June 29, 2026.

The meeting focused on strengthening defence relations through capacity building, joint training programmes, professional knowledge exchange and institutional collaboration between the Kenya Air Force and the Royal Moroccan Air Force.

Military partnership

During the meeting, the two officials discussed opportunities to expand cooperation by promoting joint training and enhancing professional exchanges between personnel from the two air forces.

Major General Waliaula said the partnership would strengthen professional ties and improve preparedness to respond to emerging security challenges.

“We value our growing partnership with Morocco. Engagements such as these strengthen professional ties, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and better prepare our forces to address evolving security challenges,” he said.

Colonel Moustaid reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to strengthening defence relations with Kenya and expressed confidence that continued engagement would create more opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Building on existing ties

The latest engagement follows an earlier meeting on January 15, 2026, when Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri hosted Colonel Moustaid at Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.

During that meeting, the two leaders discussed ways of expanding bilateral defence cooperation. Colonel Moustaid expressed Morocco’s interest in deepening military collaboration, while General Kahariri welcomed the initiative and appreciated an invitation for a working visit to Morocco.

General Kahariri also disclosed that a framework to guide defence cooperation between Kenya and Morocco was under consideration.

Focus on regional security

The continued engagements between the two countries reflect efforts to strengthen military cooperation through regular consultations, professional exchanges and institutional partnerships.

The proposed areas of cooperation include joint training, capacity building and sharing of operational experience to enhance the capabilities of both air forces.

Kenya and Morocco have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with defence cooperation forming part of broader bilateral engagements aimed at promoting regional security, professional military development and collaboration on issues of mutual interest.