General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM), visited Kenya this week for high-level defence discussions aimed at strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.
Upon his arrival, General Anderson was accorded full military honours, including a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). He was received by the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, at a ceremony reflecting the longstanding defence partnership between Kenya and the United States.
The two military chiefs engaged in extensive discussions focusing on enhancing collaboration in areas such as regional security, counterterrorism, capacity building, professional military education, and joint operations. The talks come at a time when the Horn of Africa continues to face complex security challenges, including threats from violent extremist groups.
In his remarks, General Anderson praised Kenya for its unwavering role in promoting peace and stability across the region. He highlighted Kenya’s contributions to countering violent extremism, supporting peacekeeping operations, and fostering regional security initiatives. “Kenya remains a critical partner for the United States in advancing shared security interests,” Anderson noted, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration in addressing both regional and global security challenges.
General Kahariri, in turn, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to working closely with the US and other international partners to strengthen peace and security across Africa. He emphasized that Kenya remains dedicated to supporting joint initiatives aimed at improving operational readiness, training, and intelligence-sharing to enhance regional stability.
The visit underscores the strategic importance of Kenya as a security partner in East Africa and reflects the mutual interest in countering threats posed by extremist networks, piracy, and other transnational security challenges. Both sides expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cooperation would deepen military ties and bolster regional resilience against emerging threats.
The meeting between General Anderson and General Kahariri represents a renewed commitment to sustaining a robust partnership that balances national security priorities with broader efforts to promote peace and stability across the continent.
