Kenya is an anchor state and a critical player in the east African region, on the coast of the Indian ocean.
It is an important player specially when maritime geopolitics have become extremely important in shaping the direction of the world’s economy, says Dr. Hassan Khannenje, Director of the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies in Nairobi, Kenya.
In a brief discussion with StratNews Global on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2024 in New Delhi, Dr. Khannenje, said that “it is thus important that Kenya not only get involved, but that it plays a more instrumental, leadership role not just within the East African Coast, but within the African subcontinent,” he said.
“A number of countries on Africa’s east coast are affected by events in the Indo-Pacific, from Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, all the way to Southern Africa and Madagascar,” he noted. This influence extends beyond East Africa, as regional stability and economic prospects are closely tied to Indo-Pacific dynamics, he pointed out.
Kenya and India: A Strategic Partnership in Maritime Security
Asked about India’s role in the region, Dr. Khannenje emphasised the strong partnership between India and Kenya, particularly in the area of maritime security.
He noted that Kenya is one of the most significant players in ensuring maritime safety along the East African coast, for instance in anti-Piracy, and search and rescue operations. This role is expected to grow as the nation continues to expand its security capabilities.
India, with its strategic interests in East Africa, has been collaborating closely with Kenya and other regional partners. Together, they aim to explore and safeguard maritime resources, ensuring stability and prosperity for the region.
The Impact of Indo-Pacific Dynamics on Africa
Asserting that countries like Kenya and its neighbours are part of the broader Indo-Pacific theatre, he said the region’s security and economic dynamics have a direct impact on the strategic interests of these nations.
And as global powers continue to strengthen their presence in the Indo-Pacific, Kenya’s role as a regional leader will likely become more pronounced.
To gain more insights into Southeast Asia’s strategic outlook and how regional powers are shaping the Indo-Pacific framework, watch the full conversation with Dr. Hassan Khannenje.
