Kenyas Role In the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT)

Kenya became fully engaged in the in the Global War on Terror in 1998, following a terrorist attack on the US Embassy in Nairobi. Since then, the government of Kenya identified the existence of the al Qaeda terror network in the region.

As a result of the 9/11 attacks against the United States, the Horn of Africa was under increased scrutiny as a strategic focal point in the war against terrorism. In this regard, Kenya increased her tempo in security cooperation with the United States and other international community in order to deter the al Qaeda and its operatives' in the region as well as denying them access to possible safe havens in Kenya.

Kenya's contribution towards this effort is in the form of information sharing, granting of US over flight rights, Basing facilities, liaison and diplomatic engagements in support to OEF and conducting and supporting maritime interdiction operations in the HOA.

Kenya has remained engaged in the anti- piracy campaign in an effort to eradicate piracy in its coastal/Territorial waters in close cooperation with other allies' Maritime forces. Kenya remains engaged in ensuring that Somalia and the greater Horn of Africa is stabilized and that the region is free of Al Qaeda and its associates in so as to have the regional states enjoy peace, security and sustainable development.

In order to succeed in our mission, the need for an integrated approach to international security issues is critical. Orchestration of military, political and socio-economic components in the War on terror will bring desirable effects.

"Together, as Coalition Member States, we shall succeed in the GWOT irrespective of our size and capacity"

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