Nairobi is this week hosting a high-level military gathering as the 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD25) kicks off under the leadership of the United States Africa Command (Africom). President William Ruto officially opened the summit on Wednesday, marking the first time the annual event is being held in Nairobi.
The conference brings together senior military officials from 37 African countries alongside representatives from US Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, US Air Forces Africa, and US Army Africa. ACHOD25 aims to strengthen cooperation between African armed forces and their US counterparts amid a backdrop of political instability, economic challenges, and humanitarian crises affecting several parts of the continent.
With the theme “Strengthening African Security, Sustaining Unity of Effort,” the summit serves as a critical forum for discussing transnational threats, improving intelligence-sharing, enhancing peacekeeping readiness, and promoting military collaboration. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed attendees virtually, reaffirming America’s commitment to supporting African-led solutions to security challenges.
Organisers emphasize that the summit is shaped by African priorities, seeking to promote cost-effective, locally-driven strategies that enhance stability while reducing the need for direct foreign military involvement. Through formal and informal engagements, ACHOD25 offers a rare platform for building trust and improving communication between African nations, many of which have been historically divided by conflict or political differences.
Held under tight security, the summit comes at a time when African militaries are increasingly focused on responding to both traditional and asymmetric threats, including terrorism, cyber warfare, and organized crime. It also reflects growing concerns within Washington about the influence of geopolitical rivals on the continent.
Meanwhile, the National Defence College (NDC) in Karen celebrated its annual graduation on Tuesday, a ceremony graced by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and First Lady Rachel Ruto. The NDC program is considered one of the region’s premier military training institutions, offering rigorous instruction in strategy, governance, and regional affairs to KDF officers, allied nation personnel, and civilian leaders.
As ACHOD25 unfolds in Nairobi, it underscores the central role Kenya continues to play in regional security and diplomacy.
