Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru has today affirmed Kenya’s commitment to remain the anchor State and a key partner in finding peace and stability in the East African region and beyond.
The PS outlined the successes of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in Somalia and Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where Kenya has deployed troops for peacekeeping operations.
Mr. Mariru made the remarks when he held a meeting with the United States (US) Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Marc Dillard at the Defence Headquarters.
The PS noted that Kenya’s presence in Somalia has helped in degrading the Al-Shabaab militia and is in the process of enhancing capacity of the Somalia Security Forces to enable them take over once the mission comes to a close.
He appreciated the bilateral defence cooperation between Kenya and the US in enhancing maritime security along the Kenyan coastline and the partnership with the Kenya United States Liaison Office (KUSLO).
His sentiments were echoed by the Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF) Lieutenant General Francis Ogolla who affirmed that as the drawdown of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) nears, the KDF is determined to have significantly degraded the attacks of the militia while at the same time defending human rights.
Mr. Dillard said the US remains committed in supporting Kenya in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
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