RABAT, Morocco — Kenya’s Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) Charles Kahariri has concluded a high-level official visit to Morocco aimed at strengthening bilateral defence ties and deepening military cooperation between the two nations.
The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
Focus on defence cooperation
General Kahariri later held bilateral talks with his Moroccan counterpart, with discussions centering on enhancing defence cooperation and formalising frameworks for long-term collaboration.
Both leaders emphasised the urgency of finalising a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which is expected to anchor future engagements between Kenya and Morocco.
Key areas identified for partnership include joint military training, coordinated exercises, defence industry development, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) initiatives aimed at boosting local military sustainment capabilities.
Shared security threats
The talks also addressed emerging global and regional security challenges, with both sides highlighting threats such as cybercrime, information security risks, terrorism, piracy, transnational crime, and climate-induced instability.
The two military chiefs agreed to deepen collaboration through joint exercises, enhanced intelligence sharing, and capacity-building programmes.
Notably, General Kahariri reaffirmed Kenya’s continued participation in the multinational military drill Exercise African Lion, describing it as critical in improving operational readiness, force integration, and mutual trust among partner nations.
Military engagements and tours
As part of the visit, the Kenyan CDF toured the 1st Parachute Infantry Brigade, where he received detailed briefings on operational readiness, training, and deployment strategies.
He is also scheduled to visit key Moroccan military institutions, including the Royal Navy Headquarters, Royal Air Force Headquarters, the Royal Military Academy in Meknes, and the Royal College of Higher Military Education in Kenitra.
Strengthening bilateral ties
The visit is expected to inject fresh momentum into defence relations between Kenya and Morocco, with both countries committing to develop a structured implementation roadmap to ensure timely and measurable outcomes.
The growing partnership reflects a broader push by Kenya to strengthen strategic military alliances across Africa and beyond, amid evolving security dynamics.
