Lieutenant General David Ketter, Commander Kenya Army, participated in the 2026 African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) in Rome, Italy, alongside over 40 global delegations and numerous senior defence officials.
The annual Summit unites African Land Force Commanders, U.S. Army leaders, partner nations, academics and defence industry experts to align on countering security threats across Africa.
Under the theme “Empowering Shared Security Through Intelligence Innovation and Industry,” discussions shifted from traditional peacekeeping to leveraging advanced technology and industry partnerships for stronger land forces.
Sessions highlighted intelligence-sharing networks and technologies like AI surveillance and durable logistics for modern urban and jungle combat.
Lt Gen John W. Brennan, U.S. Army SETAF-Africa’s Security Cooperation Director, gave a keynote urging African self-reliance, stating:
“Africa’s strategic importance requires strong partnerships and sustained investment in defence capability.”
In his address, Lt Gen Ketter stressed on “unity of effort” for African security, saying: “Collective security remains a shared responsibility. In an era of transnational threats, we must move beyond isolated strategies, build robust partnerships, and invest in home-grown innovation.”
On the sidelines, Lt Gen Ketter held high-level talks to boost cooperation, share modernisation best practices and reaffirm the Kenya Army’s vital role in East African stability.
The 2026 ALFS ended with pledges for greater interoperability, strengthening ties among nations and equipping Land Forces with e
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