The Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, held bilateral talks with the Netherlands’ Defence Minister, Mr. Ruben Brekelmans. They signed a Letter of Intent to enhance defense cooperation in areas such as Peace Support Operations, AI, Cyber Security, and Military Training. The discussions emphasized commitments to responding to modern security challenges and strengthening bilateral relations in military capabilities.
On [Date], the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, engaged in bilateral discussions with Mr. Ruben Brekelmans, the Minister for Defence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, at the International Peace Support and Training Center located in Karen, Nairobi. During this meeting, both parties formalized their collaboration by signing a Letter of Intent between their respective Ministries of Defence.
The intent of this agreement is to bolster Defence Cooperation across several critical domains, including Peace Support Operations, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Maritime Security, Climate Security, and Military Training. Additionally, it seeks to promote the exchange of best practices between the two nations.
Hon. Tuya expressed her enthusiasm for the discussions, emphasizing the potential for deeper collaboration between Kenya and the Netherlands. She acknowledged ongoing efforts to establish a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) through the exchange of drafts, and noted the importance of these signed documents in formalizing their future engagements.
Mr. Brekelmans reaffirmed the Netherlands’ dedication to enhancing the capabilities of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), recognizing Kenya’s crucial role in advocating for regional peace, security, and stability. He highlighted the nations’ joint commitment to improving the effectiveness of intelligence-led peacekeeping missions globally and to promoting the responsible application of artificial intelligence within military operations through international cooperation.
The meeting was attended by notable officials such as Dr. Patrick Mariru, the Principal Secretary for Defence; Lieutenant General John Omenda, Vice Chief of Defence Forces; Major General Alfred Leuria, Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces for Operations, Doctrine, and Training; Brigadier Joyce Sitienei, Director of the International Peace Support and Training Center; Brigadier Samuel Kimani, Chief of Strategic Plans and Policies at Defence Headquarters; and a delegation of senior military officers from both countries.
In conclusion, the bilateral talks between Hon. Soipan Tuya and Mr. Ruben Brekelmans represent a significant step towards strengthening defense collaboration between Kenya and the Netherlands. The signed Letter of Intent underscores mutual commitments to enhance capabilities in various critical areas, thereby fostering regional security and stability. This partnership illustrates a proactive approach to addressing modern defense challenges, especially in intelligence-led peacekeeping and the responsible use of technology in military contexts.
Original Source: www.mod.go.ke
