Kenya, US pledge stronger security cooperation as Ruto hosts AFRICOM chief
By Mustafa Juma, September 4, 2025President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s strong relations with the United States, emphasising deeper collaboration in advancing peace and security across the region.
Taking to his official X account in the wee hours of Thursday, September 4, 2025, the Head of State revealed that he had hosted the Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), Air Force General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, who paid him a courtesy call at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
“Kenya values its strong and enduring relations with the United States, especially in advancing peace and security in our region. I was pleased to host the Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), Air Force General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, who paid me a courtesy call at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday,” Ruto stated.
He went ahead to reveal some of the details of their meeting.
Stabilising the East Africa region
According to Ruto, they had discussed ways to consolidate recent gains in stabilising the Horn of Africa and beyond while exploring innovative strategies to address emerging security threats.
“We discussed the need to consolidate the gains made in advancing peace and security in the region while working together to find stronger, more collaborative, and innovative ways to address the ever-evolving security challenges,” Ruto wrote on X.
He further noted that Kenya and the US are committed to building successful partnerships that safeguard peace and stability for the future, particularly in the face of ever-evolving global and regional security challenges.
“We also reaffirmed our commitment to building successful partnerships that will safeguard peace and stability for the future,” Ruto’s statement read.
The visit by General Anderson comes at a time when Kenya has taken a frontline role in regional security efforts, including leading multinational missions to restore stability in conflict-affected areas.
MSS mission
The Multinational Security Support Mission was established under a United Nations mandate to help stabilise Haiti, which has faced escalating gang violence and political unrest.
Kenya is leading the mission, with the Kenya Police Service providing the largest contingent. So far, 1,000 Kenyan officers have been deployed, forming the backbone of the MSS operations in Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions.
The deployment of Kenyan police officers, supported by personnel from other partner nations, marked a historic first for Kenya as it took charge of an international peacekeeping mission outside Africa.
The force has been tasked with supporting Haitian law enforcement, restoring security, and protecting critical infrastructure.