Nyong’o meets military delegation over hosting of ‘Ushirikiano Imara 2027’

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Kisumu Governor, Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, has held talks with a Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) delegation on a proposal for Kisumu County to host the 2027 East African Community (EAC) Command Post Exercise, ‘the Ushirikiano Imara’.

The delegation, representing Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, met the Governor at his Town Hall office, Friday, to discuss the proposed regional exercise as the organizers have cited Kisumu city as the ideal place to hold these joint trainings next year.

‘Ushirikiano Imara’ is a political, multinational and multi-sectoral command post exercise that brings together military, police and civilian actors from EAC Partner States.

The exercise is designed to strengthen regional operational capability and preparedness, with a focus on counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, disaster management and humanitarian response.

The KDF delegation comprised Colonel Charles Imbo, Colonel Richard Omondi and Lieutenant Colonel Jackson Musyoki.

Governor Nyong’o said Kisumu could host an estimated 2,300 participants from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Somalia, for approximately three weeks if the County is selected.

“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,” said Nyong’o.

He noted that the proposed exercise comes about 10 years after Kenya last hosted the activity at the Coast region, saying it would provide an opportunity to showcase Kisumu, while boosting the local economy.

Beyond strengthening regional security and preparedness, Nyong’o said hosting the exercise would benefit the County’s hospitality, tourism, transport, trade and small-business sectors.

Nyong’o said the County would work with relevant stakeholders to ensure it is adequately prepared, to host an exercise of such regional stature if Kisumu is selected.

He said the County would approach the preparations with professionalism and the hospitality expected of a regional host.

Nyong’o was accompanied by County Executive Committee Member-In-Charge of Training, John Awiti and other County officials.

‘Ushirikiano Imara’

is a regional security exercise organized under the East African Community (EAC), to strengthen cooperation, coordination and preparedness among Partner States.

The joint EAC military, police and civilian exercises date back to 2005 and adopted the name “Ushirikiano Imara” in 2011.

The exercises have since been conducted on a rotational basis among Partner States, alternating between Command Post Exercises and Field Training Exercises.

The exercise brings together military, police and civilian actors from EAC Partner States. The EAC currently comprises Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia.

However, participation may vary from one edition to another, with some countries participating as full contingents and others as observers, depending on the exercise arrangements.

‘Ushirikiano Imara’ is designed to enhance regional operational capability and interoperability in responding to security and humanitarian challenges.

Its areas of focus have included peace support operations, counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, disaster management and humanitarian response.

The 14th Command Post Exercise was hosted by Kenya in Nairobi in May 2026, bringing together military, police and civilian personnel to test joint planning and coordination mechanisms.

Beyond security operations, ‘Ushirikiano Imara’ provides a platform for EAC Partner States to test their ability to work together during complex emergencies.

Through simulated scenarios and joint planning, participating agencies assess command, communication, coordination and decision-making while identifying gaps that could affect a collective regional response.

The exercise also promotes civil-military cooperation by involving civilian institutions alongside security agencies.

This is particularly important during disasters, humanitarian emergencies and other situations where military and police responses need to be coordinated with civilian authorities and humanitarian actors.

For Kisumu, hosting the exercise would place the City at the centre of a major regional security and preparedness activity while requiring extensive logistical coordination.

Accommodation, transport, venues, communications, security arrangements and emergency services would all need to be coordinated between the County government, National government agencies, the KDF, police, the EAC and other participating institutions.

By Mabel Keya–Shikuku and Dorothy Pamella

Reporting originally appeared via Kenya News Agency. Read the full source for additional context.