Ruto assures regional neighbours of KDF’s continued security support

President William Ruto emphasized during a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) graduation ceremony in Eldoret that Kenya's participation in regional security is motivated by national interests. He argued that stability among neighboring countries directly impacts Kenya's citizens, economy, and future. Ruto clarified that peace should be viewed beyond the absence of conflict, stating that Kenya's military has been instrumental in peacekeeping missions across the region and beyond.

He pointed out that peace operations take various forms, with the military protecting Kenya's interests while promoting stability in the region.

Ruto stressed that peace is not charity to neighbors but rather safeguards citizens, trade, and the nation's future. He advocated for Kenya to build its own national development framework, supported by robust institutions tailored to its specific needs. The President's comments reinforced the interconnected relationship between Kenya's security and the stability of East African countries, given their shared borders with Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.

This proximity means that regional insecurity can affect cross-border trade, migration, investment, and the safety of Kenyan communities.

Kenya has a long-standing history of engaging in peace support operations, dating back to 1979 when Kenyan troops served with the Commonwealth Monitoring Force in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Over the years, Kenya has contributed personnel to missions in Chad, Namibia, Mozambique, Liberia, and other conflict-ridden areas. Somalia has been a focal point of Kenya's regional security efforts.

In 2011, Kenyan troops were deployed under Operation Linda Nchi to counter Al-Shabaab, whose activities had a significant impact on Kenya's security.

Kenyan forces have also been a part of the African Union Mission in Somalia, contributing to military operations, border security, and support for Somalia's security institutions. Additionally, Kenya has played a role in stability efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the eastern region, by contributing troops to the East African Community Regional Force in 2022.

This deployment aimed to restore security, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and support disarmament and stabilization efforts. Kenyan personnel have also served under United Nations peacekeeping missions, including MONUSCO, the UN mission in the DRC.

Ruto's remarks highlighted the historical context of Kenya's involvement in regional peace support operations, positioning it within a broader argument about the interconnection between Kenya's own development and regional stability. For the President, strengthening domestic institutions and maintaining active engagement in regional peace efforts are integral to safeguarding Kenya's long-term national interests.