Inside CS Duale's four-day US visit

Defence Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale will on Monday commence an official four-day visit to the United States of America, where he will be hosted by his counterpart Lloyd Austin III.

The visit will focus on counterterrorism, regional security, implementation of the Bilateral Framework of Cooperation signed last year, the impact of climate change on security, joint training, and maritime security amongst others in the coming week.

During the visit, the CS will hold meetings with the Acting Deputy Secretary of State Amb Victoria Nuland, Members of the US National Security Council and Senators before delivering a talk at the National Defence University in Washington DC.

During the signing of the defence cooperation in September last year, the United States pledged to provide financial and logistical assistance of up to USD100 million towards the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti that will be led by the National Police Service.

The Framework that shall be effective between 2023-2028 aims at reinforcing the strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States.

It shall help Kenya and the US expand their cooperation in the fields of defence technology and innovation, which shall enable the two militaries to respond effectively to the ever-evolving security challenges.

"The US government deeply values our partnership with Kenya in countering al Shabaab and is grateful to Kenya for its leadership in tackling security challenges in the region and around the world," Secretary Austin said during the visit.

Global peacekeeping missions

Duale said the cooperation will see Kenya's contribution to peacekeeping missions globally supported by the United States.

More support would come in the areas of training, technology and innovation to enhance KDF's defence capabilities, particularly in the fight against terrorism.

"They recruit and radicalize young people for their terror operations and under this framework, we are working on the whole space of counter-terrorism, our maritime security, peace and security in the Horn of Africa and Great Lakes region and on how we can gain from the US defence technology and innovation," said CS Duale.

He further said that the framework places a special emphasis on interoperability between the two nations' militaries in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

"Our ability to work seamlessly is paramount and this cooperation will enable us to respond effectively to the ever-evolving security challenges in our region and beyond. Together we are charting a course for a more secure and prosperous future for our nations and the world at large," added CS Duale.