Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF) Lieutenant General John Omenda presided over the closure of Exercise Justified Accord 25 (JA25) Field Training Exercise (FTX) on 21 February 2025 at the Counter Insurgency, Terrorism, and Stability Operations Centre (CITSO) in Nanyuki, Laikipia County.
This multinational military exercise, co-hosted by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the United States, brought together participants from various nations to enhance readiness, foster cooperation, and prepare regional partners for both regional and international missions.
In his address, VCDF Lt. Gen. Omenda commended the professionalism displayed throughout the exercise and urged troops to retain and apply the skills learned. He emphasized the importance of interoperability among security forces, stating that it builds confidence in their collective ability to combat security threats.
“When the time comes, you will be required to put the skills you have learned here into practice. It is vital to remember all lessons gained during this exercise,” he said.
Major General Andrew Gainey, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) in Vicenza, Italy, congratulated all participating troops. He encouraged them to utilize the acquired skills for home station training to ensure their broader dissemination.
Brigadier William Kamoiro, the Exercise Director, reiterated his opening ceremony remarks, emphasizing the importance of learning from one another. He declared JA25 a success, having achieved all set objectives.
“We have strengthened the bonds that unite us as military personnel in security operations. This exercise serves as a powerful reminder that, regardless of where we come from, we share common security challenges,” he stated.
Throughout the intensive training, troops engaged in practical war scenarios, tactics, and maneuver skills. Additionally, the exercise expanded to include veterinary care through the Veterinary Civic Action Program (VETCAP), where veterinarians jointly treated livestock. VETCAP underscored JA25’s commitment to fostering relationships with host-nation communities and addressing region-specific needs.
The collaborative effort of JA25 aimed to enhance readiness, foster cooperation, and equip participants with essential skills for maintaining peace and security in the region and beyond. Kenya, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other regional countries continue to cooperate in training and operations for mutual benefit.
JA25, a two-week exercise, united service members from over fifteen countries, strengthening international military partnerships. During the closing ceremony, VCDF Lt. Gen. Omenda also oversaw the presentation of medals to soldiers from participating countries in recognition of their exemplary work and commitment throughout the exercise.
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