Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Duale on Thursday reiterated Kenya's commitment to supporting peace efforts and regional stability.
Emphasizing Kenya's role as a regional anchor state in East Africa, Duale said Kenya maintains a delicate balance between addressing domestic challenges and contributing significantly to peacekeeping efforts in the region.
The CS underscored the geopolitical complexities, particularly the spillover of instability from neighbouring Somalia.
"Kenya's security landscape is a delicate balance, reflecting both our domestic realities and the role we play as a stabilizing force in East Africa," Duale stated.
He made the revelations in his keynote speech at the National Defence University, Washington DC.
He mentioned the persistent threat of al-Shabaab militants, emphasizing the risks posed to Kenya's North Eastern regions and Coastal areas due to the porous border.
Duale noted that the devastating 1998 US Embassy bombing in Nairobi stands as an unfortunate example of the impact of these relations.
However, he said that ever since, Kenya has emerged stronger and more resilient, learning valuable lessons in the process.
The Defence boss explained that the country's collaboration with international partners, improved intelligence gathering, and strategic operations have disrupted numerous potential attacks.
"We stand as a testament to our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens and our friends," Duale said.
The CS also emphasized Kenya's commitment to democratic values, stating that the country's robust democratic space, anchored by a transformative Constitution since 2010, is a testament to our dedication to freedom of expression, a vibrant civil society, and respect for human rights.
"We proudly stand as a pillar of democracy in the Horn of Africa," Duale said.
Speaking on peacekeeping, the CS outlined Kenya's role and efforts in Africa.
Duale proudly mentioned the involvement of the Kenya Defence Forces in various peacekeeping and observer missions across the continent.
"We actively drive diplomatic initiatives, aiming at achieving common positions, silencing the guns, and improving humanitarian support in conflict-ridden areas," he added.
He added that Kenya supports multilateral efforts through regional organizations like the African Union, and Intergovernmental Authority on Development and initiatives like the Frontline States engagements in the case of Somalia.
In addition, CS Duale stressed the critical juncture the Horn of Africa faces, urging a multifaceted approach.
"Enhanced regional cooperation, capacity building within national security structures, and addressing root causes of insecurity are crucial," he emphasized.
Duale also acknowledged the international community's vital role in supporting these efforts.
"The primary responsibility lies with African nations to forge a path towards peace and stability. Kenya remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a secure and prosperous future for the region," he added.
Duale's visit to the US follows the signing of the Defence Cooperation Framework on September 25, 2023, in Nairobi, aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States.
He had earlier held talks with US counterpart Lloyd Austin III on regional and global security matters.
Duale was hosted by Lloyd Austin III at the Pentagon where the two discussed a host of issues on the implementation of the Defence Cooperation Framework between the US and Kenya, on strategic partnership.
On his part, Secretary Austin expressed his gratitude towards Duale for Kenya's role and contributions to regional and global security.
He also emphasized the need to stabilise security in other regions in Africa.
"There is a need to continue the fight against al-Shabab and the need for security and stability in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb," Austin said.
