By Dorothy Musyoka
The Governments of Kenya and France have reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability and enhanced security collaboration through the signing of a landmark Defence Cooperation Agreement at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.
The Agreement was signed by Defence CS Soipan Tuya and H.E. Mr. Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador of France to Kenya, marked a new chapter in their partnership.
“To symbolise this pivotal partnership, I signed the Agreement on behalf of the Republic of Kenya, together with H.E. Mr. Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador of France to Kenya,” CS Tuya said.
According to the CS, the agreement enhances mutual understanding to address emerging and transnational threats.
“The Agreement underscores our shared commitment to global peace and stability and reflects a mutual understanding that collaboration in defence and security is essential to addressing emerging and transnational threats,” she added.
“For Kenya, this partnership is both timely and strategic. It aligns with our national security priorities and strengthens our defence diplomacy agenda, anchored on peace, security, and sustainable development,” she reiterated.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Chief of the Defence Forces, Gen. Charles Kahariri, whose presence underscored the Kenya Defence Forces’ central role in advancing this collaboration.
Also in attendance were Defence Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru, senior Ministry officials, and senior military representatives from France a reflection of the depth and significance of this alliance.
Under the Agreement, Kenya and France will deepen cooperation through strategic dialogue, joint training, knowledge exchange, and officer exchange programmes.
The framework will also enhance collaboration in maritime security, intelligence sharing, peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, among other areas of mutual interest.