On Thursday, 18 September 2025, Major General John Maison Nkoimo, General Officer Commanding Central Command (CENTCOM), accompanied by Brigadier John Njeru, Commander Special Operations Forces Command (SOFC), and senior staff officers, held a meeting with Major General Claude Tudor, Commander of United States Special Operations Command – Africa (USSOC-A), and his delegation at Defence Headquarters, Nairobi.
The high-level meeting was aimed at strengthening the security partnership between the Defence Forces and the United States Department of Defence, with a particular focus on counter-terrorism operations, regional stability, and sustaining long-term defence relations.
Discussions covered a broad spectrum of security matters, including the need to expand joint training initiatives, intelligence cooperation, and interoperability frameworks. Both sides emphasised that regular combined exercises, staff exchanges, and coordinated planning are vital for sharpening operational readiness and ensuring that their forces remain agile in responding to emerging threats.
The Commanders also reviewed progress in ongoing cooperative efforts, highlighting areas where enhanced collaboration could yield greater impact. Counter-terrorism featured prominently, with both delegations acknowledging the necessity of maintaining pressure on extremist networks while supporting partner nations in building their own security capacities.
The situation in Somalia also featured prominently, with both delegations recognising the Defence Forces’ decisive role in countering Al-Shabaab and supporting the ongoing security transition. Major General Tudor praised the professionalism and sacrifices of troops deployed in peace support operations, noting that their efforts have been vital in degrading terrorist networks and safeguarding regional stability.
Major General Nkoimo, in turn, welcomed the continued support from USSOC-A, noting that the enduring partnership with the United States has been instrumental in enhancing operational effectiveness and resilience.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the two militaries’ shared determination to broaden defence ties, strengthen operational cooperation, and reinforce mutual trust. Both parties pledged to continue working side by side in pursuit of common security objectives and lasting peace across the region.
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