Kenya and South Korea have steadily deepened their defense collaboration over the past year, forging partnerships that extend from artificial intelligence applications in military operations to joint efforts in maritime security and equipment transfers. This evolving relationship, rooted in diplomatic ties established shortly after Kenya’s independence, reflects both nations’ shared interests in regional stability amid global uncertainties. As of September 2025, recent high-level engagements and multilateral initiatives underscore a commitment to mutual benefits, with Kenya seeking advanced technologies to bolster its forces while South Korea expands its influence in Africa through expertise in shipbuilding and digital innovations.

The foundation of this alliance dates back to 1964, when South Korea opened its first embassy in sub-Saharan Africa in Nairobi, marking the start of formal relations with Kenya. Over the decades, the partnership has grown beyond initial commercial exchanges to encompass technology transfers, infrastructure projects, and cultural interactions. South Korea’s rapid industrialization, often dubbed the “Miracle on the Han River,” has positioned it as a model for developing nations like Kenya, which aims to leverage similar strategies for economic and security advancements. In the defense realm, this translates to collaborative frameworks that address common challenges, such as countering piracy in the Indian Ocean and managing tensions in volatile regions like the Horn of Africa and the Korean Peninsula.

A pivotal moment in this trajectory occurred on August 20, 2025, when Kenyan Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya met with South Korea’s Ambassador to Kenya, Kang Hyung-Shik, at his official residence in Nairobi. The discussions centred on expanding bilateral cooperation in key areas, including the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence in defence operations, advancements in shipbuilding, and enhanced maritime security measures. Tuya emphasised Kenya’s eagerness to partner with South Korea on these fronts, noting the potential for joint ventures that could strengthen naval capabilities and intelligence sharing. The meeting also touched on broader geopolitical concerns, with both sides exploring ways to promote peace in their respective regions through diplomatic leverage.

This encounter built on earlier interactions, such as a June 2025 visit by South Korean naval officials to Kenya, which focused on naval capability development and partnerships in maritime domains. Such exchanges highlight Kenya’s strategic position along vital sea lanes, where threats from Somali-based piracy and smuggling networks persist. South Korea, with its robust shipbuilding industry led by companies like Hyundai Heavy Industries, offers expertise in constructing vessels suited for patrol and interdiction missions. For instance, potential collaborations could involve technology transfers for building offshore patrol vessels, enabling Kenya to modernise its navy and better secure its exclusive economic zone.

Following Tuya’s meeting, Kenya’s Director-General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs, Josephat K Maikara, engaged with Ambassador Kang to further solidify ties. They praised the progress in political, socio-economic, infrastructural, information and communications technology, and digital sectors, pledging to advance these for shared gains. This momentum extends to economic instruments, with the Korea Exim Bank planning to establish an office in Nairobi to facilitate projects under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund. Such financial mechanisms could support defence-related infrastructure, like port upgrades for military logistics, aligning with Kenya’s broader development agenda.

A notable manifestation of this partnership is Kenya’s co-hosting of the second African Regional Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military (REAIM) consultations from August 26 to 28, 2025, alongside the Netherlands, Spain, and South Korea. Held in Nairobi with support from the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, the event gathered military representatives from 17 African countries to discuss guidelines for AI in defence. Ambassador Kang, a speaker at the forum, stressed the rapid evolution of AI and the imperative for collective, principled approaches to harness its benefits while mitigating risks. Kenya’s Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru echoed this, reaffirming Nairobi’s dedication to ethical AI use in security contexts.

The REAIM initiative, launched globally in 2023, promotes norms for military AI that prioritise human oversight, transparency, and compliance with international law. For Kenya, participation signals an intent to integrate AI into operations like surveillance and predictive analytics for counterterrorism, areas where South Korean firms such as Samsung and LG have pioneered dual-use technologies. Semi-technically, AI systems in defence could involve machine learning algorithms for processing drone imagery or natural language processing for threat intelligence from open sources. However, challenges include ensuring data privacy and avoiding biases in algorithms, topics likely addressed in the consultations. Building on the inaugural Nairobi event in 2024 and the Seoul Summit earlier in 2025, this regional dialogue aims to amplify African voices in global AI governance, fostering interoperability among allies.

On the hardware front, South Korea’s transfer of 16 retired MD500 helicopters to Kenya exemplifies tangible military support. These light utility helicopters, originally produced under license by Korean Air’s aerospace division between 1976 and 1984, are being refurbished in the United States before delivery. The first batch of six arrived for overhaul in December 2023, with the full complement destined for United Nations peacekeeping missions. Kenya already fields around 40 MD500 variants supplied by the US in the 1980s, supplemented by six new MD530Fs acquired in 2019 for operations in Somalia under the African Union Mission. The MD500, powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C20B turboshaft engine delivering 420 shaft horsepower, offers a maximum speed of 152 knots and a range of 267 nautical miles, making it versatile for reconnaissance, troop transport, and light attack roles when armed with TOW missiles.

South Korea’s decision to donate these aircraft stems from its own fleet modernisation, replacing them with the Korea Aerospace Industries Light Armed Helicopter, based on the Airbus EC155 Dauphin. This platform features advanced avionics, tandem seating for pilot and gunner, and armaments like rockets and anti-tank missiles, with deliveries commencing in 2025. For Kenya, the incoming MD500s enhance aerial mobility in rugged terrains, supporting efforts against Al-Shabaab insurgents. The transfer also includes training and maintenance packages, ensuring sustained operational readiness.

This defence synergy occurs against a backdrop of broader bilateral engagements. In September 2025, Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi met with South Korean counterparts to advance trade partnerships, potentially opening doors for defence industry collaborations. South Korea’s investments in Kenya’s technology sector, including ICT hubs, could extend to joint research in cybersecurity and unmanned systems. Historically, South Korea’s embassy in Nairobi has facilitated people-to-people exchanges, such as military training programs, further cementing trust.

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