NAIROBI Kenya, February 4 -Defence Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale is in the United States to lead the Kenyan delegation in discussions with their counterparts on regional security, implementation of the Bilateral Frameworks counterterrorism, impact of climate change, joint training, and maritime security.
CS Duale is being hosted by his US counterpart Lloyd Austin III.
According to the Department of Defence (DoD) headquarters, the visit follows the Signing of Defense 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 CS Duale are meetings with the Acting Deputy secretary of States 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.
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 a 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.
“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.
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.
Late January, 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.
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