The Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General John Omenda, on 28 August 2025, formally closed the Africa Regional workshop on the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM) in Nairobi.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Charles Kahariri, Lt Gen Omenda, commended the delegates and host nations for their valuable contributions, constructive dialogue, and commitment throughout the consultations.
Further, he emphasised that the robust exchanges witnessed during the REAIM Summit highlighted the global recognition of Artificial Intelligence as a transformative tool in the military domain and the collective responsibility to safeguard its use for peace, stability, and security.
He also paid special tribute to the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) for its outstanding role in providing research, expertise, and technical support that enriched the deliberations of the REAIM Summit.
He said their contribution has been instrumental in promoting a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges posed by military applications of AI.
He concluded by reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to advancing the REAIM agenda, strengthening international partnerships, and championing responsible innovation for a safer and more secure world.
For her part, Dr Yasmin Afina, a Researcher for the Security and Technology Programme UNIDIR, said that regional dialogue is key to exchanging information, building trust, and creating communities. Further, she said that capacity building remains the utmost priority and that engagement of multiple stakeholders and communities is essential.
During the second day of the discussions, participating countries and host nations focused on practical discussions about the responsible use of AI in the military. This was also a chance for the delegates to contribute ideas on AI by exploring different approaches, including technological, military, and governance.
Further, it was a chance for Spain to present their valuable insights as it gears up to host the third REAIM Summit.
Spain noted that the third summit must permanently establish that AI, particularly AI in the military domain, should be developed with a human-centred approach, always maintaining human responsibility and control, especially regarding critical decisions such as using force.
The European nation will fully embrace the Seoul declaration of 2023 and the blueprint for action from the Seoul declaration of 2024, where the last REAIM Summit was held.
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