President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), saying peace and stability remain essential for Africa’s economic transformation and prosperity.
The President made the remarks after meeting United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Dagvin Anderson at State House, Nairobi. The US delegation also included United States Embassy Charge d’Affaires Susan Burns.
Ruto said the discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in addressing emerging security threats across the continent while enhancing regional peace and stability.
“Our partnership with AFRICOM remains critical as we work together to confront transnational threats, disrupt extremist organisations and enhance regional security,” the President said.
Strengthening regional security cooperation
Ruto noted that African countries continue to collaborate closely with AFRICOM in efforts to combat terrorism, improve emergency response capabilities and coordinate humanitarian assistance in areas affected by conflict and natural disasters.
He said the partnership has become increasingly important as countries face complex cross-border security challenges that require coordinated regional and international responses.
“Africa continues to work closely with AFRICOM to roll back transnational threats, disrupt extremist organisations, manage emergency responses and coordinate the provision of humanitarian assistance,” Ruto said.
According to the President, sustained cooperation between African governments and international partners is essential in safeguarding communities while promoting long-term peace across the continent.
Peace key to economic growth
Ruto emphasized that security is a prerequisite for economic development, saying peaceful societies create an enabling environment for investment, trade and regional integration.
He said countries cannot fully realize their development ambitions without addressing insecurity and violent extremism.
“This partnership is crucial to our continent because peace, stability and security are critical ingredients for accelerated development, integration, intra-African trade and shared prosperity,” Ruto said.
The President added that strengthening security cooperation would also support the implementation of continental development initiatives by creating safer conditions for businesses, infrastructure development and cross-border commerce.
Commitment to lasting partnerships
Ruto said Kenya remains committed to working with international partners to strengthen regional peace and enhance the capacity of security institutions to respond to emerging threats.
He noted that the country’s long-standing relationship with the United States continues to contribute to efforts aimed at promoting stability, humanitarian assistance and sustainable development across Africa.
“We will continue working with our partners to strengthen peace and security because they remain the foundation upon which inclusive growth and sustainable development are built,” Ruto said.
The meeting underscored the continued cooperation between Kenya and the United States on regional security, counterterrorism, emergency response and humanitarian initiatives as both countries seek to promote peace and stability across the African continent.
