The Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri on Thursday, August 14, held a meeting with the Commander of the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM), General Michael Langley, during a visit to AFRICOM Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.
In a statement on Friday, August 15, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) said the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States in advancing peace, stability, and security across the Horn of Africa and its maritime domains.
According to the statement, Langley commended the KDF for their sustained contributions in peace support operations in Somalia.
He highlighted the importance of sustained multilateral cooperation and reaffirmed Kenya’s status as a critical strategic partner to the United States.
On his part, Kahariri thanked the United States Government and US AFRICOM for their steadfast support for regional stability.
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He expressed concern over the recent drawdown of troops under the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), warning that it could undermine years of progress.
While noting that some Troop Contributing Countries, have entered bilateral arrangements with Somalia to temporarily bridge the gap, he stressed that such measures are unsustainable without enhanced international backing.
Kahariri urged the global community to renew and strengthen its commitment to the Somali peace process and broader Horn of Africa stability efforts.
At the same venue, Kahariri and Langley released the inaugural Joint Communiqué from the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD).
The communiqué outlines five priority areas, including renewing and expanding security partnerships by enhancing coordination among regional organizations, civil society, the private sector, academia, and communities.
The second is to establish a common vision for security with shared resolve toward implementation through standardizing doctrine, expanding information sharing, and revitalizing multilateral cooperation.
The third priority is inspiring innovation against emerging threats by leveraging technology to counter cyber attacks, environmental challenges, and disruptive tactics.
The fourth is strengthening defense institutions by professionalizing forces, enhancing multi-agency operations, and reinforcing civil-military relations.
The fifth priority focuses on promoting African leadership in securing the continent by advancing African-led, whole-of-society approaches with targeted partner support.
"This is more than a record of what was discussed. It is a shared commitment to move forward together, build on progress, and deliver results that strengthen security across Africa," Langley said.
On the other hand, Kahariri noted, "This communiqué focuses our collective energy. It identifies where we must act and where we can lead together."
Langley was in Kenya in May when two KDF cadets were selected to join top military academies in the United States.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, May 28, during a ceremony held in Nairobi by KDF in partnership with the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM).
Cadet Moses Kipsang will be joining the United States Air Force Academy, while Cadet Philemon Munjuri has been accepted into the United States Naval Academy.
Langley welcomed the cadets, and expressed confidence in their ability to perform well and wished them success during their training in the United States.
