NAIROBI– Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has on Friday morning hosted British High Commissioner for Kenya Mr. Neil Wigan who paid him a courtesy call at the Defence Head Quarters in Nairobi.
They discussed range of issues including strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the fields of security and defence.
CS Duale expressed gratitude to the Mr. Wigan for the support the Kenya government is receiving in various military activities and programmes including training and joint exercises, provision of military hardware, development of the Kenya Navy Marines (Special Forces Squadron), counter terrorism and intelligence cooperation.
The CS stated that due to the strategic position of Kenya as an anchor State, the East African Nation is seeking collaboration with the UK government in capacity building of Communication Information Systems (CIS), defence research and development, climate security, courses and exchange programmes
“Owing to our position as an anchor State in the region, Kenya seeks to collaborate with the UK in various strategic areas including high level visits, capacity building of Communication Information Systems (CIS) defence research and development, climate security, courses and exchange programmes.” said Duale
The United Kingdom (UK) is one of Kenya's strategic allies. The two countries have continued to enjoy strong bilateral ties and extensive partnerships in various sectors among them tourism, trade, defence, security and counter-terrorism. pic.twitter.com/lFv1MVUmxp
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) September 15, 2023
He highlighted that the Kenya government is looking forward to support from the UK government in enhancing the capacity of the military in a bid to beef up its continued contribution to regional peace, security and stability.
Kenya and British government have an existing strong and a vibrant Defence Cooperation Agreement that was ratified by the Kenya’s National Assembly in April 2023 which has enabled the existence of the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK) in Laikipia County.
Both countries have continued to also enjoy formidable and strong bilateral ties and extensive partnerships in various sectors among them tourism, trade, fighting with extremism and defence.
