NAIROBI, March 21 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya and the Netherlands have signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen Defence Cooperation in Peace Support Operations, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security.
In a statement, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya noted that the two nations are committed towards enhanced effectiveness of intelligence-led peacekeeping missions worldwide.
“Progressively, our two Nations are committed towards enhanced effectiveness of intelligence-led peacekeeping missions worldwide as well as shape the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military domain through international collaboration,” Tuya noted.
The agreement was formalized during the visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Karen.
Tuya remarked that she held a bilateral meeting with Dutch Minister for Defence, Ruben Brekelmans, to finalize the agreement ahead of the Royal Couple’s arrival.
The collaboration also covers Maritime Security, Climate Security, Military Training, and the exchange of best practices.
“Ahead of Their Majesties arrival at IPSTC, I held a bilateral meeting with my counterpart Dutch Minister for Defence, Ruben Brekelmans during which we signed a Letter of Intent between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Kenya and The Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands,” she said.
Earlier on the Chief Justice Martha Koome hosted King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at the Supreme Court Building in Nairobi as part of their State Visit to Kenya.
The visit highlighted deepening bilateral ties, focusing on the rule of law, democracy, and governance.
During the talks, Koome underscored Judiciary’s independence as cornerstone of Kenya’s democracy, protecting the Constitution, fair trials, and safeguarding citizens’ rights and freedoms.
She reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to impartiality, warning against external influences that could undermine its integrity.
Koome also outlined Kenya’s ongoing justice reforms, many supported by the Netherlands through the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO).
These include Specialized Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Courts and the Small Claims Court, which have enhanced access to justice for survivors and small businesses. — NNN-KBC
