Kenya and Rwanda have agreed to fast-track a defence cooperation pact aimed at boosting joint security efforts against terrorism, organised crime, and regional threats in East Africa.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, May 24 — Kenya and Rwanda have stepped up efforts to deepen military cooperation and regional security coordination, with both countries pushing for the expedited signing of a new defence cooperation agreement amid growing concerns over terrorism, organised crime, and emerging security threats in East Africa.

Speaking after bilateral talks with Rwanda’s Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda in Nairobi, Kenya’s Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said the two nations had reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence relations and enhancing joint responses to regional security challenges.

The discussions took place on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the East African Community Armed Forces Command Post Exercise Ushirikiano Imara 2026 , a regional military exercise aimed at improving cooperation among EAC member states.

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Tuya said Kenya and Rwanda continue to enjoy “strong and cordial relations” built on longstanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks, particularly under the East African Community.

A key outcome of the talks was renewed commitment to the Kenya–Uganda–Rwanda Mutual Defence Pact, which leaders said remains critical in coordinating responses to terrorism, piracy, transnational organised crime, disaster response, and intelligence sharing across the region.

The two countries also emphasized the importance of strengthening military collaboration under the EAC Defence Cooperation framework as regional governments confront increasingly complex cross-border security and socio-economic threats.

Tuya noted that the Kenya Defence Forces and the Rwanda Defence Force would continue expanding cooperation in capacity building, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism operations.

She further revealed that both sides are working toward the fast-tracked signing of a draft Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, expected to formalize and deepen military ties between Nairobi and Kigali.

“Our discussions further highlighted the need for enhanced regional coordination in addressing emerging socio-economic and security challenges facing the EAC region,” Tuya said.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya