Uhuru Holds Talks with High Ranking US Military Commander

President Kenyatta has held talks with Gen. Stephen Townsend, the commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).

The two held a meeting at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday where they discussed how to strengthen military cooperation between Kenyan and American forces.

"President Uhuru Kenyatta today at State House, Nairobi met Gen. Stephen Townsend, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) during which they discussed the strengthening of military cooperation between Kenyan and American forces," State House said in a statement. 

The meeting was also attended by Kenya’s Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Robert Kibochi and US Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter.

The talks come a few weeks after outgoing US President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of nearly all American troops from Somalia.

The move is said to be part of a global pullback by Trump before he exits office in January that will also see him draw down forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.

There are about 700 American troops in Somalia focused on helping the Somali army defeat the al Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab insurgency.

AFRICOM has been pivotal in restoring peace in Somalia in partnership with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces.