The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) have been authorized by the August House (Parliament) to wage war on any aggressor who attempts to encroach, claim, or disrespect Kenya’s territory. The new position reinforces the Foreign Affairs Ministry policy that the country would not cede an inch of its territory. The aggressive posture is largely factored by the maritime dispute between Kenya and Somalia.
In June, Kenya, through its foreign ministry, reaffirmed its position that, it will not cede an inch of the contested waters. Our assessment was that, the Foreign Ministry position meant, the Republic of Kenya would deploy its military to protect and if challenged, conduct warfare against any aggressor. This further means, Nairobi will not consider the outcome of the maritime case at the ICJ in Netherlands, rather will destroy assets of foreign firms given exploration rights in the area by Mogadishu if they attempt to conduct oil and gas exploration.
Kenya has the largest and most power navy in East Africa. It will be deploying the naval assets to protect its maritime boundaries including the continental shelf which Somalia has attempted to encroach through a court process.
