Africa-Press – Kenya. The Ministry of Defence has assured legislators that the country remains vigilant in the face of evolving global security threats, including developments linked to the US-Iran-Israel conflict.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Defence Committee on Thursday, March 19, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya was pressed for answers on the country’s readiness amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The CS emphasised that security agencies, including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), were continuously monitoring developments and adapting to emerging threats.
She noted that modern warfare, particularly the rise of missile and drone capabilities, had immensely changed how nations must prepare for war.
“Security assessments are ongoing, preparedness is continuous, and we are investing in modernisation and intelligence systems,” Tuya told the committee members.
However, she cautioned that certain aspects of the country’s defence strategy cannot be disclosed publicly due to their sensitive nature. “There are limits to what can be disclosed publicly,” she said.
Committee Chairperson Nelson Koech said Kenyans need assurance, particularly on how global tensions such as those involving Iran could impact Kenya’s national security posture and foreign relations.
In response, Tuya reiterated that KDF is fully equipped and operationally ready, citing both regional and international partnerships to counter such threats.
“The Ministry of Defence and the Kenya Defence Forces are well-equipped, with active intelligence systems and strong regional and global partnerships,” Tuya reiterated.
Despite the reassurances, the MPs raised concerns over the Ministry’s increasing role in non-military projects such as building schools, hospitals, and stadiums.
Meanwhile, the latest development comes against the backdrop of escalating war between the U.S. and Israel against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026.
The war began when a joint U.S.-Israeli strike was launched against the Iranian military and its nuclear facility. However, Iran launched an immediate counterattack, which has since been sustained to date.
The ongoing war has caused major instability not only in the Middle East but also throughout the world, including in Africa and Kenya in particular, which has since led to an increase in oil prices caused by the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
