Why Top US Security Chiefs are Flocking to Nairobi

High-ranking US security officials are making their way to Nairobi to address the growing instability in the region.

Reliable sources report that these officials are in discussions with Nairobi to address the deteriorating conditions in the Horn of Africa. General Michael Langley, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), recently visited Nairobi for a series of meetings with security leaders. A source reveals that the situation in Somalia, Ethiopia, DRC, Sudan, Burundi, and South Sudan is not improving. Nairobi is seen as the only viable option to confront the increasing threats. Gen Langley’s visit on Tuesday follows a meeting between William Burns, the Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Kenyan President William Ruto on January 15, 2024.

While travelling in the area, Burns had the chance to engage with different security personnel in Nairobi and also made a trip to Somalia. This visit occurred during a period of heightened security concerns in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. It comes after US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III’s visit in September 2023. Kenya plays a crucial role as a US ally in addressing issues such as terrorism and transnational crime. On Tuesday, January 23, Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale held talks with Gen Langley at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.

Duale expressed gratitude for the United States’ crucial contributions in fostering peace, safety, and steadiness in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region. He highlighted the effective teamwork between Kenya and the US Africom office, especially in countering terrorism, safeguarding maritime zones, and promoting peace efforts. Duale stated that this joint endeavour signifies a dedication to strengthening the alliance between the two countries in tackling regional issues and nurturing global harmony.

Duale urged the two countries to continue working together in intelligence sharing, maritime security, joint training, and military assistance through Excess Defence Articles (EDA). Moreover, Kenya and the US have an ongoing Defense Cooperation framework in place from 2023 to 2028, which benefits both countries.
Furthermore, the two countries maintain regular interaction through the national Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) and the biennial ministerial Bilateral Defence Forum (BDF). In attendance at the meeting were Chief of Defence Forces Gen Francis Ogolla, Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi, and other senior military officials.

US Africom is responsible for overseeing military operations and initiatives in Africa that protect and advance American national interests. It has authority over 53 African nations. The command began its operations on October 1, 2007, and became fully operational on October 1, 2008. US Africom works with its allies to combat threats and individuals who pose a danger across borders. It also strengthens security forces and responds efficiently to emergencies to promote American national interests and support regional security, stability, and prosperity.