Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Kenya President William Samoei Ruto pose for a photo during a bilateral exchange at the Kenya State House in Nairobi, Kenya, Sept. 25, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)

By Gary  Raynaldo    –  DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin  praised Kenya for its partnership with the U.S. in countering al-Shabab, an Islamist militant group based in neighboring Somalia, during his first trip to Africa. The Pentagon boss traveled to  Kenya Monday and met today with President of Kenya William Ruto to discuss “the strong U.S.-Kenya bilateral defense relationship”  and a range of topics including regional security and “shared interest” in combating terrorism.  Secretary Austin also met with Cabinet Secretary of Defence Aden Duale to discuss mutual plans to advance bilateral security priorities and other regional issues, particularly Kenya’s “leadership” in countering al-Shabaab in Somalia.  Austin in on a five-day visit Africa from  traveling to Djibouti, Kenya, and Angola.  “The Secretary also thanked President Ruto for his country’s willingness to lead the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti at the invitation of Haiti and in response to the appeal by the UN Secretary-General,” according to a statement by the Pentagon. 

U.S. To Provide Kenya $100 Million to back Kenyan-led multinational force to Haiti 

“Now, the U.S. government deeply values our partnership with Kenya in countering al-Shabaab. And we’re grateful to Kenya for its leadership in tackling security challenges in the region and around the world. I also thanked the Secretary today for Kenya’s willingness to consider leading a Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti The United States stands ready to support that important mission by providing robust financial and logistical assistance. And we intend to work with the United States Congress to provide up to $100 million in support. So, the United States remains committed to working with Kenya to help bring stability and security to the region, and beyond.”

-Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Kenya Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Bare Duale participate in a bilateral exchange at the Kenya Ministry of Defense in Nairobi, Kenya, Sept. 25, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)