The new Commander of the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, made a high-profile visit to Nairobi on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. His stop at the Defence Headquarters was not a routine courtesy call. It was a moment that highlighted Washington’s deepening military interests in East Africa at a time when the region faces rising instability.
Kenya rolled out full military honours. A guard of honour was mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) before Anderson was ushered in by the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri. But behind the pomp and ceremony was a serious agenda. The two military chiefs sat down for talks that carried weight far beyond Nairobi. Their discussion focused on counterterrorism, regional stability, capacity building, and Kenya’s role in the Horn of Africa.
General Dagvin Anderson and Kenya’s Role in Regional Security
Anderson did not mince his words. He commended Kenya’s role in combating violent extremism and stabilizing fragile states in the Horn of Africa. For years, Kenya has been a cornerstone in regional peacekeeping, particularly in Somalia.
Anderson underlined that Kenya remains a “critical partner” for the United States in safeguarding shared security interests. But the tone of the meeting suggested more than just praise.
It reflected America’s urgent need to secure stronger ties in a region where instability threatens to undo years of progress. With extremist groups resurging and Somalia still fragile, the US sees Nairobi as its most dependable ally.
Kahariri, for his part, stressed Kenya’s defence modernisation plans and the urgency of sustaining international partnerships. He called Anderson’s visit a reaffirmation of historic ties and a signal of deeper strategic cooperation. The message was clear—Kenya cannot handle the region’s growing threats alone, and the US knows it.
Concerns Over Somalia and Regional Drawdowns
One of the most pressing issues on the table was Somalia. General Kahariri expressed concern over the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) troop drawdowns. For years, KDF soldiers have fought alongside African and international forces to suppress al-Shabaab. A premature reduction in troop presence, Kahariri warned, could undo years of fragile progress.
His statement was more than a caution. It was a direct call to the international community, urging renewed commitment to Somalia’s stability. Without strong international backing, the Horn risks sliding back into chaos. Anderson’s visit seemed to acknowledge this looming crisis, though Washington has not clearly spelled out how far it is willing to go in extending military support.
Why General Dagvin Anderson’s Visit Matters
Anderson’s arrival in Nairobi came just weeks after he officially took over from General Michael Langley at USAFRICOM’s Stuttgart headquarters on August 15. The handover, witnessed by General Kahariri, underscored Kenya’s elevated status in America’s Africa policy.
The visit was not business as usual. It came at a time when global powers are racing to secure influence in Africa. China and Russia continue to expand their footprint through trade, security, and covert operations. The United States, through figures like Anderson, is signalling that it cannot afford to lose ground in regions like the Horn of Africa.
For Kenya, the stakes are just as high. Nairobi remains on the frontline of the war against terrorism while juggling domestic security reforms. Anderson’s presence confirmed that the US is doubling down on Kenya’s military role. Yet it also raised questions. Will Washington provide Kenya with the resources needed to handle evolving threats? Or will the burden continue to fall heavily on KDF soldiers?
Final Word
General Dagvin Anderson’s Nairobi visit was more than ceremonial. It was a hard signal of renewed strategic urgency. Kenya has proven itself a reliable partner, but it faces mounting security threats that demand stronger international backing.
For the US, Anderson’s arrival showed that Africa is no longer at the periphery of its defence policy. The real test now lies in whether these commitments translate into action or whether they will remain locked in diplomatic statements.
