Kenya, US Hold Defence Talks to Strengthen KDF Capabilities

Kenya and the United States have agreed to expand defence cooperation following high-level talks in Nairobi on 29 July, with new commitments covering military training, professional education, cybersecurity, engineering and border security.

The meeting was led by Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, who hosted a United States delegation headed by General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of United States Africa Command. The delegation also included Major General Gary Keefe of the Massachusetts National Guard and Colonel Scott Polasek, the Defence Attaché to Kenya. 

Their discussions focused on strengthening the capabilities of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), with particular attention to special operations training to address evolving security threats. The two sides also agreed to expand professional military education programmes, including support for the KDF's Non-Commissioned Officers Academy. 

The initiative is intended to strengthen leadership development within the armed forces and ensure personnel are prepared for the demands of modern military operations. Cybersecurity was another key area of discussion, with both countries seeking to improve cooperation in responding to growing digital security threats.

The talks also covered engineering and infrastructure, recognising the military's role in disaster response and humanitarian assistance. Border security remained a priority, with both countries committing to continue joint training and technical exchanges to strengthen Kenya's ability to respond to regional security challenges.

In a statement, the KDF said the meeting reaffirmed the long-standing strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States. It said the cooperation aims to build "capable, professional and mission-ready forces" through continued collaboration and greater interoperability.