Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to building strong international defence partnerships following a high-level bilateral engagement with the Republic of Turkey during the 5th International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition, SAHA Expo 2026, held in Istanbul, Turkey.
The meeting between the Defence Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Soipan Tuya, and Turkey’s Minister of Defence, H.E. Yasar Guler, highlighted the growing strategic relationship between the two nations and underscored the importance of defence diplomacy in addressing evolving regional and global security challenges.
A major outcome of the engagement was the signing of a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between Kenya and Turkey, marking a significant step in institutionalizing bilateral defence relations. The agreement establishes a framework for enhanced collaboration in key areas including military training, defence industry cooperation, technology exchange, and modernization initiatives aimed at strengthening Kenya’s long-term defence capabilities.
The partnership reflects Kenya’s broader strategic objective of enhancing operational readiness through collaboration with trusted international partners while embracing innovation and capacity development within the defence sector.
During the discussions, the two leaders also exchanged views on the prevailing security situation in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the need for coordinated regional and international efforts to promote peace, stability, and sustainable security. Both Kenya and Turkey reiterated their commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to regional stability and collective security.
The engagement further demonstrated Kenya’s proactive approach to defence diplomacy by leveraging international platforms such as SAHA Expo to deepen partnerships, explore emerging defence technologies, and strengthen strategic cooperation with allied nations.
Kenya continues to regard Turkey as a valuable strategic partner, with both countries expressing optimism about expanding collaboration in ways that support mutual security interests and shared prosperity.
The bilateral meeting was attended by Kenya’s Ambassador to Turkey, Amb. Anthony Muchiri, Director General Defence National Security Industries (DNSI), Major General Faustino Lobaly, together with senior military and government officers.
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