Kenya has strengthened defense cooperation with China to help boost the war against pressing security challenges like piracy and terrorism, a senior official said Thursday.
Cabinet Secretary for defense Raychelle Omamo said strategic cooperation between Kenya and Chinese defense forces has improved security and stability in the east and horn of Africa region.
"China and Kenya continue to enhance cordial defense cooperation to enable the two countries play a more significant role in addressing global terrorism," Omamo said at an occasion to mark the 89th anniversary since the founding of Chinese People's Liberation Army at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi.
Omamo said Kenya has prioritized defense cooperation with China as part of a strategy to promote peace and stability in the region.
Kenya has strengthened military cooperation with China in critical areas like intelligence sharing and training to boost the war against terrorism and piracy along the Indian Ocean coastline.
Omamo noted that China's support has revitalized the capacity of Kenyan defense forces to respond to homegrown and external security threats.
She added that Kenya will also partner with key bilateral allies to promote peace in trouble spots like South Sudan.
Qiu Yi, the Defense Attache at the Chinese Embassy, said Beijing has deployed peacekeepers to African nations to help bolster peace.
"So far, 2,400 Chinese military troops are serving with UN peacekeeping missions in seven African operation areas including Mali and South Sudan," said Qiu.
