AI in War: Kenya Defence CS Tuya Holds Bilateral Talks with Spain at AI Ethics Summit

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya engaged in bilateral discussions with her Spanish counterpart, Margarita Robles, during the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Summit held in A Coruña, Spain. The meeting, which occurred alongside the February 2026 event, centered on strengthening defence ties and maritime security collaboration between the two nations.

Tuya highlighted the longstanding positive relations between Kenya and Spain, noting Madrid's ongoing contributions to security in the Western Indian Ocean. Spain has participated in international efforts to combat piracy and ensure safe shipping lanes in the region since the early 2010s. The talks emphasized Spain's role in advancing ethical standards for AI in military applications, a core theme of the REAIM Summit. Kenya's involvement in the gathering reflects its alignment with these principles.

Key areas explored included maritime security enhancements, naval training programs, technical assistance for maintenance, improved maritime domain awareness, cyber security measures, and joint work on AI alongside other emerging technologies. Tuya reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to the REAIM framework and its desire to help shape international guidelines for AI in defence. She also expressed interest in expanding partnerships with Spain on innovation, technology oversight, and skill development in these fields.

Accompanying Tuya were Kenya's Ambassador to Spain Nairimas Sharon Ole Sein, Brigadier Yusuf Adan from the Kenya Defence Forces Communication Information System, and senior delegates from both countries. The Kenya Defence Forces account was tagged in the announcement, underscoring the military's stake in the outcomes.

The REAIM Summit, co-hosted by Spain and other partners, brings together governments, experts, and organizations to address AI's military uses. Launched in 2019 by the Netherlands, it promotes responsible deployment to minimize risks like unintended escalations or ethical breaches. Over 100 countries have endorsed its calls to action, with sessions covering governance, human oversight, and integration into existing laws.

For Kenya, maritime security remains critical given its 536-kilometer coastline and reliance on Mombasa Port, which handles 90 percent of East Africa's trade volume. The port's infrastructure, expanded in phases since 2013 with berths added in 2016 and 2022, supports naval operations. Kenya Navy bases in Mombasa and Mtongwe facilitate patrols in the Indian Ocean, where threats from piracy have dropped but persist. Spain's Navy has contributed to EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta since 2008, protecting shipping routes that include Kenyan waters.

Cyber security discussions tie into protecting national infrastructure. Kenya's critical assets, such as the Standard Gauge Railway completed in 2017 and the LAPSSET corridor under development since 2012, face digital vulnerabilities. The National Cyber Security Centre, established in 2014, coordinates defences, but international cooperation bolsters capabilities. AI applications could enhance surveillance at ports or along pipelines, like the 892-kilometer line from Mombasa to Nairobi upgraded in 2018.

Bilateral ties between Kenya and Spain date back to diplomatic relations established in 1963. Spain has supported development projects, including water infrastructure in arid regions through grants totaling over 50 million euros since 2000. In defence, joint exercises and equipment transfers have occurred sporadically. The 2026 meeting builds on a 2014 memorandum of understanding on security cooperation, renewed in 2020.

Naval training opportunities discussed could involve Spain's facilities, known for advanced simulators and shipbuilding expertise. Kenya's Navy, with vessels acquired from various sources including Spain in the 1990s, seeks modernization. Technical support might extend to maintaining patrol boats or upgrading radar systems at coastal stations.

Emerging tech collaboration aligns with Kenya's digital economy push. The Konza Technopolis, a 5,000-acre smart city project started in 2013, includes defence tech incubators. AI governance efforts, through the 2023 Distributed Ledgers and Artificial Intelligence Taskforce report, emphasize ethical use. Participation in REAIM positions Kenya as a regional leader in these debates.

Infrastructure implications are notable. Enhanced maritime awareness requires investments in radar towers, communication networks, and data centers. Kenya's fibre optic backbone, expanded via the National Optic Fibre Backbone Infrastructure project phases from 2006 onward, supports such systems. Cyber defences protect power grids, like the 4,000 kilometers of transmission lines managed by KETRACO.

The summit's venue in A Coruña, a port city with naval shipyards, underscores maritime themes. Spain's defence industry, including Navantia which built vessels for international clients, offers models for Kenya's aspirations in local manufacturing.

Local reactions to the meeting were positive, with online comments praising the engagement. One user commended the work, while another noted its potential benefits. Broader public interest in defence infrastructure grows amid regional tensions, such as in the Horn of Africa.

As Kenya invests in its blue economy, valued at KES 200 billion annually, secure seas are essential. Projects like the Shimoni Port development, funded at KES 2.6 billion and ongoing since 2021, benefit from international partnerships.

The bilateral exchange signals continued momentum in Kenya-Spain relations. With defence budgets rising Kenya's allocation reached KES 150 billion in 2025 outcomes could include joint ventures in coastal infrastructure or AI-driven monitoring systems.

Overall, the talks at REAIM highlight Kenya's proactive stance on global security challenges, with practical ties to safeguarding and developing its infrastructure assets.