Kenya, US Defense Chiefs Hold Bilateral Talks at the Pentagon

Kenya and the United States have agreed to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation in the wake of increased insecurity around the world.

This follows the US-Kenya Bilateral Defense Forum held at the Pentagon on Wednesday where officials from the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation between the US Defense Department, Kenya’s Ministry of Defense, and Kenya Defense Forces.

The meeting was attended by the US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Affairs Celeste Wallander, Kenya’s Defense Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, and Chief of Defense Forces General Robert Kibochi, among other officials.

“The two sides discussed a range of topics including regional security; cybersecurity; security cooperation; U.S. Africa Command mission; Massachusetts National Guard accomplishments and future plans; and climate change,” the Defense Ministry said in a press release.

The ministry said US and Kenya defense officials intend to continue a strong partnership going forward, including the next iteration of the United States-Kenya Bilateral Defense Forum.

US military forces have worked closely with Kenyan forces for years. Kenya was a member of the African Union Mission in Somalia and now works there in the new African Union Transition Mission. 

US personnel served as advisers to the mission in Somalia and helped with logistics and communications for the peacekeeping force.  

Kenyan service members have participated in many US Africa Command exercises and served alongside American troops in United Nations operations.