A region united in intent, expertise and approach stands a better chance of overcoming any challenges – security or otherwise – faced either individually or collectively by the member states.
It is on this premise that the 14th East African Community (EAC) Armed Forces Command Post Exercise, Ushirikiano Imara 2026, has kicked off in Nairobi, bringing together military, police, and civilian personnel from across the eight countries.
Held under the theme, ‘Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Readiness for peace, Security and Resilience,’ the exercise is aimed at enhancing regional cooperation as well as improving joint response mechanisms to security threats facing the EAC region.
Welcoming participants to the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Nairobi, Head of Mission, Ambassador Lindsey Kiptiness called on EAC member states to strengthen unity, cooperation, and collective preparedness in addressing emerging threats, disasters, and security challenges that may undermine regional peace and stability.
“Today’s security challenges transcend national borders and require a united regional approach. Through exercises such as Ushirikiano Imara, we continue to strengthen our collective ability to respond effectively to threats while promoting peace, stability, and prosperity within the East African Community,” he said.
He further observed that ongoing conflicts and instability in various parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East and other conflict-prone regions, continue to have direct and indirect effects on the economies, security, and livelihoods of people within the EAC bloc and that such developments highlight the need for stronger regional solidarity, information sharing, and coordinated security responses among partner states in combating both conventional and emerging threats.
His sentiments were echoed by the Exercise Director, General Officer Commanding Central Command Major General John Nkoimo who further pointed out that the evolving nature of global and regional security challenges require EAC member states to work closely together in safeguarding peace, stability, and the wellbeing of their citizens. “This Exercise demonstrates our shared commitment towards collective security, interoperability and regional solidarity. Through joint training, we continue to enhance our preparedness and ability to respond effectively to contemporary security challenges facing our region,” he added.
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