By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 21 August 2026 - Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o on Friday held a meeting with a delegation from the Kenya Defence Forces who represented the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri at his Town Hall office.
The meeting primarily focussed on the proposal to have Kisumu County host the upcoming East African Community (EAC) Command Post Exercise -Ushirikiano Imara 2027.
Ushirikiano Imara is a political, multinational and multi-sectoral command post exercise bringing together the Military, Police and Civilian actors from the eight EAC Partner States.
The exercise strengthens regional operational capability and preparedness, with particular focus on counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, disaster management and humanitarian response.
"For approximately three weeks, Kisumu could become a meeting point for an estimated 2,300 participants from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Somalia," he said.
He added that this comes 10 years after Kenya last held the activity in the Coast Region and beyond the security and preparedness dimension, this is also an opportunity for Kisumu's economy, hospitality, tourism, transport, trade and small businesses.
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"Thousands of visitors moving through our city means more customers for our hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders and other service providers," he further said.
He added that if Kisumu will be selected, it will work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the county is ready to host an exercise of this regional stature with the professionalism, hospitality and confidence that defines them.
The KDF delegation was represented by Colonel Charles Imbo, Colonel Richard Omondi and Lieutenant Colonel Jackson Musyoki.
He was accompanied by the CECM in charge of Training John Awiti, and other County officers.