NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation with the United States following a meeting with the commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson.
The meeting, held at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, was also attended by United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns.
In a statement after the talks, President Ruto said Africa’s partnership with AFRICOM remains vital in addressing evolving security challenges across the continent.
“We continue to work closely with AFRICOM to roll back transnational threats, disrupt extremist organisations, manage emergency responses and coordinate the provision of humanitarian assistance,” Ruto said.
The President noted that the collaboration goes beyond military operations, describing security as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration.
“This partnership is crucial to our continent because peace, stability and security are critical ingredients for accelerated development, integration, intra-trade and prosperity,” he added.
Kenya has long been one of the United States’ key security partners in East Africa, particularly in counterterrorism efforts targeting the Somalia-based militant group Al-Shabaab. The two countries have also cooperated on intelligence sharing, military training, humanitarian operations and disaster response.
AFRICOM works with African governments and regional partners to strengthen security capabilities, counter violent extremism and support peacekeeping and humanitarian missions across the continent.
The meeting comes at a time when East Africa continues to face security threats from extremist groups, cross-border crime and humanitarian emergencies, underscoring the importance of sustained international cooperation in maintaining regional stability.
