Photo courtesy Africa Defense Forum

The recently completed annual multi-national exercise, “Justified Accord”, the largest to date in East Africa led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, has highlighted the importance of joint-training and cooperation in the region, and the critical importance of this work towards undermining those who seek to attack us.

Over 1,300 personnel from over 15 countries across three continents took part in Operation “Justified Accord”, a huge military and security exercise providing the opportunities for partner nations to ensure they are employing the latest tactics and strategies to the fight against terrorism.

Combatting terrorism

Al-Qaeda and All Shabab remain critical threats to the security and stability of Kenya and the surrounding region. The increase in action from these groups over the past twelve months places a huge strain on our government and security forces not forgetting the far more important loss of lives and livelihoods caused by the terrorists.

The defeat of these groups is therefore a vital part of national security and economic security. Kenya has worked assiduously to develop partnerships that support this objective.

Kenya has developed a strong and long-term partnership with the U.S. in combatting al-Shabaab militants in neighboring Somalia and the U.S. in return has committed to long-term investment in building Kenya’s border security capabilities.

The vital contribution that the U.S. makes to Kenya security is in the fight against the al-Qa’ida linked terrorist group al-Shabaab. In Somalia itself that takes the form of training and equipping units like the Somali National Army’s ‘Danab’ (Lightning) special forces unit but also wider training and mentoring across all the capabilities that a modern military needs.

Joint training improves security

The importance of these joint exercises aimed at strengthening the ability of participating forces to respond to regional security threats, humanitarian crises and peace-keeping missions, cannot be overestimated.

The U.S. also makes a major contribution in Kenya itself, through the training and mentoring of the Kenya Defence Forces in techniques such as how to identify and defeat deadly roadside bombs that al-Shabaab specializes in, or how to effectively counter terrorist incidents.

The contrast in responses between the Westgate Mall attack in 2013 and the Dusit D2 attack in 2019 underscores how U.S. support has significantly enhanced Kenya’s counter terrorism capabilities.

Providing the skills and equipment needed to protect Kenya’s border – drones, night vision, electronic scanners and access to databases at border posts are also incredibly important.

Live firing exercises

Justified Accord 2025 provided a key opportunity to share insight, understand the most up to date approach to security operations and ensure long term stability in the region.

This year Justified Accord featured the first-ever night training of air-to-ground integrated operations, where partner countries controlled Kenya’s air assets to provide air support for multinational land forces.

The event also included live-fire drills conducted by the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2SFAB) and the UK’s 11th SFAB and the Massachusetts National Guard teaming up with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), NATO allies and regional partners to strengthen joint war fighting capabilities.

KDF Brigadier William Kamwoiro, commander of the 2nd Brigade and the KDF exercise director, noted the importance of training and the exchange of knowledge and skills.

“The training in small team tactics, optics, as well as combat medics”, said Brigadier Kamwoiro, “will serve to ensure seamless cooperation and effective support in future joint tasks and duties.”

Veterinary and medical civic action

Also, for the first time, U.S. and Kenya military healthcare providers conducted a real-world veterinary civic action program (VETCAP, to provide essential veterinary services to livestock aimed at building readiness when encountering animals on the battlefield.

In addition to the VETCAP, U.S. and Kenya military medical personnel hosted a medical civic action program (MEDCAP), providing essential healthcare services to communities in underserved regions.

This year marked a special anniversary as Justified Accord 2025 saw the 10-year anniversary of the State Partnership Program between the Massachusetts National Guard and the KDF which over the last decade has seen sustained military cooperation, training exchanges and capability-building efforts between the two forces. This recognises the importance of building a lasting, tangible and mutually beneficial partnership.

US Kenya strategic partnership

The U.S. has for a long time identified Kenya in particular as a strategically important partner, and their “most important security account in Africa.”

Kenya likewise recognizes the cooperative and reciprocal benefits to be derived from the symbiotic relationship with the U.S.

Kenya is now the third highest recipient of U.S. security aid on the African continent, receiving Sh2.4 billion ($18.7 million) for counter terrorism and to help build Kenya’s criminal justice system’s ability to address terrorism threats.

The U.S. also gave Kenya 16 refurbished helicopters to bolster the country’s security operations.

The U.S. pledge remains crucial, including a joint military training program for Kenyan troops, procurement of aircraft, and expansion of the Manda Bay runway, together with other support in security and defence areas.

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