Written by
Faridah N Kulumba
Africa-Press – Kenya. January 15, 2019, will always remain in Kenyan history as the day the Al Shabaab fighters attacked the hotel and commercial complex at 14 Riverside where twenty people were killed: 21 Kenyans and one British national.
This week marks the eighth anniversary of the attack on Westgate shopping mall where 68 people died. The victims were from 13 countries, including Kenya and the UK.
Since the Westgate attack, the UK, London and Manchster have suffered from horrific bombigs and stabbings. And Kenya the north east continues to contend with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and other attacks,The Standard reported.
Defense and security relations
Kenya and the UK have enjoyed long standing historical bilateral relations, and the government has continued to receive support from the UK over the years in various sections that are most critical.
In 2021 Britain and Kenya signed a five year defense cooperation agreement which built on the existing one providing a basis for the exchange of military personnel for defense activity, allowing for enhanced training opportunities and increasing collaboration in peace support.
Counteracting force
The UK’s international priorities is countering Al Shabaab militants who have threatened many regions from their base in southern Somalia and neighbouring countries and international partners.
The British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriot, assured that, UK is stepping up work with Kenya, Somalia and neighbouring countries and international partners, to help the region reduce the immediate threat, bring about the group’s longer-term weakening and support conditions conducive to lasting solutions.
Through a joint Kenya, British High Commission and World Bank task force, they are seeking to reduce wider political disenfranchisement and economic marginalisation in the North East.
Building trust between national and county governments and local communities is a key strand of this work. This will build resilience against violence extremism and terrorism.
