NAIROBI (CHATNEWSTV) — Kenya and the Netherlands have signed a defense cooperation agreement, strengthening military ties in areas including peace support operations, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and maritime security.
The Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, met with Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans on Thursday at the International Peace Support and Training Center in Karen, Nairobi, where the two leaders formalized their commitment by signing a Letter of Intent.
“This agreement marks a significant step in deepening our defense collaboration,” Tuya said, emphasizing its role in capacity building for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) through training programs and strategic partnerships.
Kenya and the Netherlands have been working on a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and a Status of Force Agreement (SOFA), which Tuya described as crucial for structuring future engagements between the two nations.
Brekelmans reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to enhancing KDF’s capabilities, recognizing Kenya’s strategic role in promoting regional peace and stability.
“Our nations are committed to strengthening intelligence-led peacekeeping missions worldwide and ensuring the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the military domain through international collaboration,” Brekelmans said.
Senior military officials from both countries attended the discussions, including Kenya’s Vice Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. John Omenda, and Dutch military representatives.
The agreement underscores Kenya’s growing role as a key security partner in Africa and the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting regional defense initiatives.
