Rwanda and Kenya yesterday signed a flexible and broad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in defence matters that expires in 2020.
The previous one was signed in 2000.

After the signing, Kenya's Minister of State for Defence, Mohamed Yusuf Haji, told reporters that he could not detail the "many areas” of cooperation but training and good cooperation were emphasised.

"We envisage that as we continue working together, if we see it necessary to do even other things, we will do so,” said the Kenyan minister who signed the MoU with Defence Minister, James Kabarebe.

According to Lt. Col. Jill Rutaremara, the Defence and Military Spokesperson, when the two countries signed the previous deal in 2000, the Rwandan army particularly needed training.

Rutaremara told reporters that at the time, Kenyan trainers spent time in Rwandan military academies until RDF had developed its own capacity to manage the institutions.

"What is new in this agreement is that it is flexible and broad such that it allows us to cooperate with Kenya in any possible issue.”

Kenya continues to admit RDF officers in its top military schools, including the Senior Command and Staff College, the National Defence College in addition to offering specialised courses.

After the signing, follow up meetings by senior officials from both sides will determine what will be implemented.

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