Kenya and the United States have agreed to deepen collaboration in defence, peace and security, a move both countries say is critical to anchoring regional stability and advancing global peacekeeping efforts.
Speaking during a joint media briefing in Nairobi on Thursday, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the enhanced cooperation reflects the strong partnership and mutual respect between the two nations.
“On the regional aspects that we deal with here in terms of security, it has to be a collaborated effort with various partners including the United Nations, the U.S. government and other critical international community so that we can collectively bring peace and stability in the region,” Mudavadi said.
He noted that Kenya welcomed recognition by the United States of its leadership and contribution to international peace, citing Kenya’s role in the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti.
“The mission could not have worked if there was no collaboration with the United States, in terms of the logistics and other aspects. The distance from Kenya to Haiti is about 12,000 kilometres away, and the working together with the government of the United States was absolutely essential,” Mudavadi said, adding that the partnership helped mobilise international funding for the mission.
The remarks were made alongside visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who praised Kenya’s role in international security operations.
“One of the major reasons why I am here is to thank the people and government of Kenya for the immense contribution you have made to international stability, especially in Haiti and more so in other regions in Africa and beyond,” Landau said.
Mudavadi said the visit provided an opportunity for both countries to reaffirm long-standing ties and advance dialogue on bilateral and regional issues.
He added that Kenya and the United States have also made significant progress in trade, investment, counter-terrorism, health, education and development, describing these areas as key drivers of shared prosperity and regional stability.
Landau said the United States had provided substantial financial support to the Haiti mission and worked closely with Kenyan police officers deployed on the ground.
“They did an amazing job, and the level of stability we see in Haiti today, though still fragile, could have been much worse if these interventions were not made,” he said.
Mudavadi also welcomed progress by the U.S. government in renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for another three years, terming it a major milestone for Kenya–U.S. trade.
“Kenya looks forward to continued mutually beneficial trade between the two countries,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary further highlighted the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Manda Bay runway as a landmark step in security and development cooperation.
“This is critical in sending a message that security is paramount and that Kenya and the region are receiving strong support on counter-terrorism,” he said.
Earlier, Landau met President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, where they reviewed gains made so far and discussed future cooperation between Kenya and the United States.
