By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, May 15, 2026 - East African Community (EAC) partner states have launched a major multinational security exercise in Nairobi aimed at strengthening regional preparedness against terrorism, piracy, transnational crime and disasters amid growing security threats across the region.
The 14th EAC Armed Forces Command Post Exercise, codenamed *Ushirikiano Imara 2026*, brings together military, police and civilian personnel from member states to enhance joint operations, intelligence sharing and coordinated emergency response.
The exercise was officially flagged off at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata by Vice Chief of the Defence Forces Lt Gen John Omenda, who said regional unity remains critical in tackling cross-border threats facing East Africa.
“Ushirikiano Imara is not only a milestone in training but also a product of collective vision and shared purpose. To overcome the challenges we face, we must stand together,” said Lt Gen Omenda.
He noted that threats posed by extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram, alongside organised crime networks, cannot be effectively defeated by individual countries acting alone.
The command post exercise focuses on Peace Support Operations, counter-terrorism, counter-piracy missions and disaster management through simulated scenarios and coordinated operational drills designed to improve interoperability among partner states.
EAC Deputy Secretary General Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth said peace and security remain central to the region’s development and integration agenda.
“Without peace, security and unity among EAC partner states, sustainable development and regional integration cannot be achieved,” she said, stressing the need for timely intelligence sharing and stronger institutional trust.
Exercise Director and General Officer Commanding Central Command Maj Gen John Nkoimo said the drills are anchored on the theme: *Enhancing Regional Readiness for Peace, Security and Resilience.*
He said participants will undertake a series of command post activities aimed at sharpening joint decision-making, improving coordination and boosting regional operational effectiveness.
The exercise comes at a time when East Africa continues to face evolving security threats ranging from violent extremism and maritime insecurity to climate-related disasters and cross-border criminal networks.
Security experts say the drills are expected to deepen military cooperation among EAC states and strengthen the region’s collective capacity to respond to emerging threats.
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