US, Kenya sign revised security deal to enhance actions on corruption, terrorism, civilian security

Kenya has signed a revitalized Security Governance Joint Country Action Plan with the United States to enhance cooperation on governance, anti-corruption, and civilian security.

Kenya has agreed on May 8 to deepen its economic ties with the US to enhance opportunities for the US businesses and boost their joint efforts to degrade the Islamic terrorist group al-Shabaab. The revamped pack was signed at the completion of a two-day inaugural Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD), an annual forum set up following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s visit to Washington DC last August.

The joint statement revealed that the United States and Kenya had agreed to work closely on counter-terrorism through partnerships in defence, maritime surveillance, and intelligence sharing. “The United States and Kenya signed an updated Security Governance Joint Country Action Plan to enhance bilateral cooperation on civilian security, governance, and anti-corruption efforts,” the statement read.

The statement also discussed new understandings resulting from the discussions led by Foreign Minister Monica Juma and senior State Department officials. It noted that the US commended the sacrifice of the Kenya Defence Forces in Somalia. “The United States welcomed Kenya’s commitment to register all refugees and will work with Kenya to fulfil its commitments to ensure refugees have access to healthcare, education, and livelihoods,” the Department of State noted, as reported by Capital News.

As far as combating against terrorism is concerned, the US and Kenya reviewed their ongoing anti-terrorism campaign in the Horn of Africa and Kenya vowed to provide all endeavours to win the war against the al-Shabaab terrorist group in Somalia.

On the other hand, in the economic sphere, Kenya and the US said they would ‘accelerate bilateral talks to expand cargo opportunities’ under the existing Open Skies Agreement between the countries.

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