The Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF), Lieutenant General John Omenda, on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, presided over the opening session of the Silent Warrior 2025 Conference on 8 December 2025 in Nairobi.
Silent Warrior is an annual international cooperation forum that brings together African, U.S., and other global military leaders to discuss shared security threats, strengthen partnerships, showcase emerging defence technologies, and develop collaborative solutions to terrorism, transnational crime, and other complex security challenges confronting Africa.
The conference serves as a strategic platform for innovation, exchange of ideas, and enhancement of Special Operations Forces (SOF) capabilities across the continent, with an emphasis on emerging threats and regional stability.
In his address, the VCDF underscored the importance of unity, collaboration, adaptive leadership, knowledge-driven planning, and improved coordination across continents. He noted that the evolving security landscape demands agile command structures, responsive logistics, and continuous professional development in order to maintain SOF superiority.
“Let us remember that our adversaries are constantly evolving—and so must we. Our unity and collaboration remain the most effective counterbalance. When Special Operations Forces across the world collaborate, it becomes a force multiplier, sending a clear message to any adversary anywhere that there is no vacuum across borders,” said Lt Gen Omenda.
The Silent Warrior Conference provides an opportunity for strategic reflection on emerging challenges, assessment of ongoing threats, and alignment of military capabilities with international SOF priorities. This year’s edition is themed “Evolving Threat in Africa: SOF and the Future of African Security.”
Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, Ms. Susan M. Burns, noted that Silent Warrior reflects the strength of the Kenya–U.S. partnership—seriousness of purpose, shared sacrifice, and a commitment to a more secure future. She emphasized that the true center of gravity in special operations is the warfighter—“the mind, the body, the discipline, the creativity, and the courage.”
Kenya Special Operations Forces Command Commander, Brigadier John Njeru, highlighted that the theme underlines participating nations’ commitment to advancing a secure and stable future for Africa through collaborative military efforts. The forum facilitated strategic engagements on emerging threats, force readiness, technological transformation, institutional reforms, and the capacity-building required for SOF to operate effectively in complex environments.
Participants also deliberated on operational tempo, force preparedness, and innovations shaping the future of SOF missions.
The Silent Warrior 2025 Conference marks the second time the event is being hosted in Africa, following the 2024 edition held in Tunisia.
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