Kenya and the Netherlands have signed a Letter of Intent aimed at enhancing Defence Cooperation particularly in Peace Support Operations, AI, and Cyber Security. The agreement was formalized during the visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, and it covers various areas including Maritime Security and Military Training. Chief Justice Martha Koome also hosted the royal couple, emphasizing judicial independence and ongoing justice reforms in Kenya supported by the Netherlands.
Kenya and the Netherlands have entered into a Letter of Intent to bolster their Defence Cooperation, focusing on elements such as Peace Support Operations, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security. Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya emphasized the shared objective to improve the effectiveness of intelligence-led peacekeeping globally.
During a recent visit by Their Majesties, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the agreement was solidified at the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Karen. Prior to their arrival, CS Tuya engaged in a bilateral dialogue with Dutch Minister for Defence, Ruben Brekelmans, to finalize this agreement.
The collaborative efforts extend to key areas including Maritime Security, Climate Security, Military Training, and the sharing of best practices. CS Tuya remarked, “Ahead of Their Majesties’ arrival at IPSTC, I held a bilateral meeting… 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.”
Earlier in the day, Chief Justice Martha Koome welcomed King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at the Supreme Court in Nairobi, part of their State Visit to Kenya. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations, emphasizing rule of law, democracy, and governance.
During discussions, CJ Koome highlighted the Judiciary’s independence as a fundamental aspect of Kenya’s democracy, ensuring Constitution protection, fair trials, and the safeguarding of citizens’ rights. She reiterated the Judiciary’s impartiality, cautioning against external influences that may compromise its integrity.
Koome also presented ongoing justice reforms in Kenya, with significant support from the Netherlands via the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO). These reforms encompass Specialized Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Courts and the Small Claims Court, designed to improve access to justice for survivors and small businesses.
The recent agreement between Kenya and the Netherlands represents a strategic commitment to enhance Defence Cooperation across various critical domains, including peacekeeping, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. The State Visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima further illustrates the strengthening bilateral ties focused on the rule of law and judicial independence in Kenya, marking significant progress in international collaboration for a secure and just society.
Original Source: www.kbc.co.ke
