Kenya on Monday marked a major milestone after becoming the second country in Africa to host Silent Warrior, a high-level security forum coordinated by the United States and involving senior military leaders from 40 nations.
The development came just days after President William Ruto visited Washington, where he and U.S. President Donald Trump moved to dispel fears that the U.S. was considering withdrawing support for regional security operations, particularly the fight against Al Shabaab militants in neighbouring Somalia.
The Silent Warrior event, attended by African Special Operations Forces (SOF), brought together senior special operations leaders from across Africa and allied countries to discuss counterterrorism, strengthen partnerships, and enhance cross-border coordination.
Silent Warrior 2025 marks only the second time the conference has been hosted on the continent, following the 2024 edition held in Tunisia.
The Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF), Lieutenant General John Omenda, represented the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, during the opening session of the forum on December 8, 2025, in Nairobi.
The annual conference provides a platform for African, U.S., and global military leaders to deliberate on shared security threats, showcase emerging defence technologies, and formulate collaborative solutions to terrorism, transnational crime, and other complex security challenges facing Africa.
It also serves as a strategic space for innovation, exchange of ideas, and enhancement of SOF capabilities, with a strong focus on emerging threats and regional stability.
In his address, Lt Gen Omenda stressed the importance of unity, collaboration, and improved coordination among partner nations.
He noted that the changing security environment requires agile command structures, responsive logistics, and continuous professional development to maintain operational superiority.
“Let us remember that our adversaries are constantly evolving, and so must we. Our unity and collaboration remain the most effective counterbalance. When Special Operations Forces across the world collaborate, it becomes a force multiplier, sending a clear message to any adversary anywhere that there is no vacuum across borders,” said Lt Gen Omenda.
At the same time, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, Susan Burns, said Silent Warrior reflects the strength of the Kenya–U.S. security partnership and a commitment to regional peace.
On his end, Kenya Special Operations Forces Command Commander, Brigadier John Njeru, stated that the forum’s theme highlights participating nations’ commitment to securing Africa’s future through joint military efforts.
He also noted that the engagements focused on emerging threats, force readiness, technological transformation, institutional reform, and the capacity-building needed for SOF to operate effectively in increasingly complex environments.
