Kenya and the Czech Republic have signed a defense cooperation agreement, marking a new milestone in the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The agreement was signed on January 28 in Nairobi, following years of discussions that began in 2019.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Soipan Tuya, said both countries are prepared to move swiftly toward implementing the cooperation and development framework once the agreement is ratified.
She noted that the partnership would be guided by mutual trust and a shared commitment to promoting regional and international peace and security.
The defense pact provides for expanded cooperation in key areas, including military education and training, peacekeeping operations, intelligence sharing, maritime security, and cybersecurity. It also includes provisions for collaboration in humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
Beyond security cooperation, the agreement reflects broader engagement between the two countries. On the economic front, trade between Kenya and the Czech Republic reached $30.8 million in 2024, according to figures from the International Trade Center.
Analysts note that the agreement also allows the Czech Republic to strengthen its strategic presence in East Africa, a region closely linked to major maritime routes through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
According to the Global Firepower Index 2025, Kenya is ranked 83rd globally in terms of military strength, while the Czech Republic is ranked 55th among 145 countries assessed.
The agreement is expected to deepen defense ties while contributing to broader security cooperation in the region.
