The General Officer Commanding (GOC) Central Command (CENTCOM), Major General John Nkoimo, on 18th August 2025, joined Senior Military Officers, Officers, and Delegates from East African Community (EAC) Partner States for the official launch of the Concept Development Conference for the 14th East African Community Armed Forces Command Post Exercise (CPX), Ushirikiano Imara 2026, at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS), Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya.
The Concept Development Conference brings together participants from EAC Partner States’ Defence Forces, the Civilian Component, and other stakeholders to conceptualize strategies for jointly addressing security challenges under the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs.
In his address, Maj Gen Nkoimo noted that the Concept Development Conference marks the formal start of the exercise planning process which, together with subsequent planning conferences, will build up to the EAC Armed Forces CPX Ushirikiano Imara 2026, scheduled for May 2026.
The CPX aims to train Partner States’ Defence Forces, Police, the Civilian Component, and other stakeholders in planning an integrated mission encompassing Peace Support Operations (PSO), Disaster Management (DM), Counter-Terrorism (CT), and Counter-Piracy (CP). The objective is to enhance their capabilities in jointly addressing complex and multidimensional security challenges.
Maj Gen Nkoimo emphasized that the training themes are highly relevant in addressing the current challenges facing the EAC. He urged participants to continuously train and exercise together in order to enhance interoperability and strengthen collective responses to emerging threats.
“Regional combined joint training, like the one we shall be conceptualizing, is very important in enhancing interoperability between EAC Partner States’ Defence Forces and other key stakeholders,” stressed Maj Gen Nkoimo.
He highlighted the critical importance of PSO training, citing its role in addressing intrastate conflicts within the EAC region. While acknowledging existing peace and security mechanisms, he called for fine-tuning EAC’s performance in PSO to effectively address ongoing and future challenges. He also urged stakeholders to clearly understand and refine their respective roles in the exercise.
The GOC CENTCOM drew attention to the growing global threat of terrorism, particularly the persistent menace of Al-Shabaab in Eastern Africa. He urged Partner States to intensify collective efforts in combating terrorism.
“I urge the exercise planners to capture this aspect of terrorism, especially Al-Shabaab and its affiliate groups, so that we continue to strengthen our capabilities to intervene should the need arise,” said Maj Gen Nkoimo.
He further acknowledged the importance of the Sea Lines of Communication, which have been critical in countering piracy along the African coast, an issue that has significantly impacted the region’s economic wellbeing. He commended the joint efforts of EAC Partner States and the International Community that have led to the suppression of piracy.
Calling for continuous training in counter-piracy to build regional capacity, Maj Gen Nkoimo also underscored the importance of disaster response and management. He urged security agencies to strengthen their readiness and ability to effectively respond to disasters when called upon.
Concluding his address, the Chief Guest underscored the importance of the Concept Development Conference and urged all participants to actively engage, share knowledge, and learn from one another in preparation for Ushirikiano Imara 2026.
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