NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya and the United States have reaffirmed their long-standing defence partnership following high-level talks between Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri and the Deputy Commander of the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), Lieutenant General J. Brennan, during his maiden official visit to the country.
The meeting, held on February 5, 2026, focused on strengthening bilateral defence relations, addressing evolving regional and global security threats, and enhancing cooperation in training, capacity building, and operational readiness between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the US military.
In a statement released after the engagement, the two leaders underscored the importance of sustained collaboration in responding to complex and emerging security challenges, including terrorism, transnational crime, maritime insecurity, and regional instability.
“They reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between KDF and USAFRICOM, anchored on a shared commitment to regional and global peace, stability, and collective security,” the statement said.
General Kahariri welcomed Lieutenant General Brennan to Kenya, describing the visit as a reflection of the deep and historic ties between the two defence establishments.
He reiterated Kenya’s commitment to working closely with USAFRICOM and other strategic partners to advance peace and security across Africa.
The CDF also highlighted Kenya’s ongoing defence modernisation programmes, noting that sustained international partnerships are critical in enhancing the country’s ability to respond to evolving security threats.
“Kenya continues to invest in modernising its defence capabilities, and strategic partnerships such as this one remain essential in strengthening operational readiness and regional security cooperation,” General Kahariri said.
Lieutenant General Brennan, who is on his first official visit to Kenya since assuming office, praised the role played by the KDF in regional and international peace support operations.
Kenya is a key security partner of the United States in East Africa, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts targeting Al-Shabaab and other extremist groups operating in the Horn of Africa.
Kenya has historically hosted joint military exercises with the US, including Exercise Justified Accord, and has benefited from training and logistical support aimed at enhancing its peacekeeping and counter-terrorism capabilities.
Observers say the meeting signals renewed momentum toward deeper strategic engagement between Nairobi and Washington at a time when regional security dynamics are rapidly shifting.
The engagement also aligns with Kenya’s broader foreign and defence policy objectives, which emphasise multilateral cooperation, regional stability, and adherence to international security frameworks.
The visit concluded with both sides expressing optimism that the strengthened partnership would continue to play a stabilising role in Africa and beyond, reinforcing collective efforts to confront present and future security threats.
