The Kenya Defence Forces is set for a major upgrade following fresh talks between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates aimed at enhancing military capabilities, technology transfer and institutional transformation.
Principal Secretary for the National Treasury Chris Kiptoo and his Defence counterpart Patrick Mariru on Wednesday held discussions with a delegation from Abu Dhabi on areas of collaboration under the KDF Modernisation Programme.
In a statement, the National Treasury said the talks focused on strengthening strategic partnerships to support the enhancement of KDF’s operational capabilities, technological advancement and institutional reforms in line with Kenya’s national security priorities.
The engagement signals growing cooperation between Kenya and the UAE, with both countries seeking to deepen ties in defence, investment and technology.
According to the government, the discussions are anchored on the Kenya–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was signed on January 14, 2025.
The agreement provides a framework for expanding economic cooperation between the two countries through increased investment, knowledge sharing and technology transfer.
"The partnership could unlock new opportunities to strengthen Kenya’s defence sector while supporting broader national development goals," the statement read in part.
The KDF Modernisation Programme is aimed at enhancing the military’s readiness and capacity to respond to emerging security threats in an increasingly complex environment.
As part of the collaboration, Kenya is seeking to leverage international partnerships to improve institutional capacity and adopt modern technologies that can bolster defence operations.
The discussions also underscored the role of defence cooperation in promoting regional stability and economic resilience.
Kenya and the UAE reaffirmed their commitment to advancing mutually beneficial partnerships that contribute to sustainable development while addressing evolving security challenges.
The meeting further highlighted the importance of international cooperation in supporting Kenya’s transformation agenda and strengthening institutions to respond effectively to emerging security and development priorities.
The latest engagement comes as Kenya continues to invest in the modernisation of its security infrastructure amid changing regional and global security dynamics.
Deepening cooperation with strategic partners such as the UAE, Kiptoo said, is expected to support efforts to build a more capable and technologically advanced defence force while fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
The discussions also reflect the growing scope of Kenya–UAE relations, which have expanded beyond trade and investment to include security cooperation and institutional development over the years.
