The Ministry of Defence recognizes the importance of parliamentary oversight in promoting accountability, transparency and ensuring that international defence engagements remain consistent with Kenya’s Constitution, laws, national interests and foreign policy priorities.
Defence cooperation agreements provide a framework for strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including capacity building, professional development, knowledge and information sharing, technical cooperation and joint efforts to address emerging security challenges.
Under Kenya’s treaty ratification framework, the National Assembly has a critical responsibility to scrutinize international agreements before they become binding on the country. Parliament may approve such agreements, with or without amendments, or disapprove them after considering their provisions and implications for Kenya.
In line with the above, the Principal Secretary for Defence Dr. Patrick Mariru appeared before the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee of the National Assembly to represent the Ministry of Defence during consideration of the ratification of Defence Cooperation Agreements and Frameworks between Kenya and other partner countries.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the Ministry to brief the Committee on the objectives, scope and strategic importance of the agreements, while responding to issues raised by Members.
The Ministry of Defence remains committed to working closely with Parliament and other stakeholders to strengthen oversight and accountability while advancing Kenya’s defence and security interests through mutually beneficial international partnerships.
These partnerships are essential in enhancing Kenya’s defence capabilities, strengthening cooperation with strategic partners and contributing to regional and international peace, security and stability.
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