Kenya and UK just signed a new security and defense cooperation agreement

The announcement was made on Monday, January 25, 2021 by Fred Matiang’i, cabinet secretary at Kenya’s Home Office who signed the document with Ben Wallace, British Defense Secretary. This new pact is part of the strengthening of cooperation between Kenya and the United Kingdom in the defense sector.

Replacing a previous agreement signed in 2015, the document emphasizes the fight against terrorism and insecurity, two of the main challenges facing Kenya and the entire East African region for several years. In recent years, Nairobi has indeed been engaged in the fight against the terrorist threat, particularly against the Al Shabab group which is currently rife in Somalia and which has carried out several attacks on its soil.

These challenges are made difficult by the current security context in the Horn of Africa, marked by tensions and inter-communal conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia. Note that since the announcement of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union (Brexit), London has stepped up discussions with Kenya, its main partner in East Africa.

In addition to a previously signed trade agreement, this new “updated” defense agreement confirms the intention of Queen Elisabeth’s country to make Kenya its main gateway to East Africa and the continent in general. Note that this new signing comes as Kenya takes office as a member of the United Nations Security Council, a situation from which both countries wish to take advantage.

“This year, we are jointly members of the United Nations Security Council. We also discussed the priority areas and how we will work together to address the consolidation of peace in the region, the fight against terrorism and climate change and how this affects security in our country. and in the region, ”said Fred Matiang’i.

Source Ecofin Agency