NAIROBI, Kenya- Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation with Italy, marking a key milestone in strengthening Kenya–Italy strategic relations.
The agreement was signed alongside Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and establishes a structured framework for collaboration between the two countries in defence and security matters.
Focus on training and institutional cooperation
According to Mudavadi, the MoU will enhance cooperation in capacity building, military training, and institutional exchange programmes between Kenyan and Italian defence institutions.
He said the partnership is aimed at improving skills development, strengthening professionalism within the security sector, and boosting interoperability between the two countries’ forces.
“This partnership will enhance our contribution to regional and global peace and security, while deepening bilateral ties and advancing shared strategic interests,” Mudavadi said.
Link to President Ruto’s Italy visit
The signing comes as President William Ruto is on an official visit to Italy, where he is holding high-level talks with Italian leadership aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
During the visit, the Kenyan government is pursuing expanded partnerships in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and security cooperation, as part of a broader push to strengthen ties with European allies.
Strengthening Kenya–Italy strategic relations
Kenya and Italy have in recent years expanded cooperation beyond traditional diplomacy, increasingly focusing on security, development financing, and institutional partnerships.
Officials say the new defence agreement reflects a shared commitment to addressing regional security challenges, including peacekeeping support and transnational threats.
Broader foreign policy push
The MoU also aligns with Kenya’s broader foreign policy agenda of strengthening strategic alliances and attracting international partnerships that support national development priorities.
Mudavadi has been central to Kenya’s foreign policy engagements, representing the country in high-level diplomatic negotiations and bilateral agreements.
The defence cooperation pact signals deepening Kenya–Italy relations, coming at a time when President Ruto’s administration is expanding its global partnerships through high-level diplomatic engagements in Europe.