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Kenya Defence Forces Gen. C M Kahariri, Chief of the Defence Forces, left, Kenya Defence Forces Maj. Gen. Frederick Leuria, Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces, center, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard, meets during a bilateral engagement at the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
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U.S. Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, holds a bilateral engagement with Kenya Defence Forces Gen. C M Kahariri, chief of the Defence Forces, during the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
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U.S. Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, meets with National Guard leaders during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
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U.S. Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, coins U.S. Army Maj. Nicholas Hally, Massachusetts National Guard Bilateral Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy Nairobi, during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
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Kenya Defence Forces Gen. C M Kahariri, Chief of the Defence Forces, left, Kenya Defence Forces Maj. Gen. Frederick Leuria, Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces, center, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard, meets during a bilateral engagement at the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S.-African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
(Photo Credit: Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy)VIEW ORIGINAL6 / 17Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, salutes during the national anthem at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
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U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, gives his closing remarks during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
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U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, gives his closing remarks during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
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U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard, and other military leaders attend a panel discussion at the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
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U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard, right, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, Commanding General, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, left, and Kenya Army Lt. Gen. David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, Kenya Army Commander, have a discussion during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
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U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard, left, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, Commanding General, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, center, and Kenya Army Lt. Gen. David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, Kenya Army Commander, have a discussion during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
(Photo Credit: Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy)VIEW ORIGINAL12 / 17Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S. Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, meets with National Guard leaders during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
(Photo Credit: Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy)VIEW ORIGINAL13 / 17Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S. Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, meets with National Guard leaders during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
(Photo Credit: Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy)VIEW ORIGINAL14 / 17Show Caption +Hide Caption –
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard, and other National Guard leaders meet with U.S. Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, during the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
(Photo Credit: Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy)VIEW ORIGINAL15 / 17Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto gives his remarks during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 28, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
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Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto gives his remarks during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 28, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
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Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto gives his remarks during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 28, 2025. The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, as well as U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 offers a platform for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, and fostering expertise sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
(Photo Credit: Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy)VIEW ORIGINAL
NAIROBI, Kenya – The Massachusetts National Guard further strengthened its enduring relationship with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at the recent 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25).
The KDF and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) co-hosted the May 27-30 conference. Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, the adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard, engaged in senior-level discussions and strategic dialogues with USAFRICOM and service component leadership at the conference.
At the conference, National Guard leaders met with African Chiefs of Defense from partner nations in the U.S. Department of Defense National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. They met to build a shared understanding of critical security challenges and discuss collective solutions.
Keefe joined Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau (NGB), and Maj. Gen. William Edwards, the National Guard Bureau’s director of Strategic Plans and Policy, and International Affairs, for a bilateral engagement with Gen. C M Kahariri, chief of Kenya’s Defence Forces, to discuss Kenya’s security cooperation relationship within the State Partnership Program (SPP).
“Engaging directly with African Chiefs of Defense, NGB and USAAFRICOM leadership allowed us to deepen mutual understanding, explore cooperative solutions to regional security challenges and reinforce our shared commitment to stability and professionalism across the continent,” Keefe said. “The Massachusetts National Guard is honored to support this vital partnership, which continues to promote security, resilience and lasting collaboration between our nations.”
The conference reaffirmed the strength of the enduring partnership between the Massachusetts National Guard and the Kenya Defence Forces. Established in 2015, the partnership has been instrumental in advancing joint training, enhancing disaster preparedness, supporting counterterrorism initiatives and promoting professional development within the military ranks.
Kenya President William Ruto, commander-in-chief of the KDF, delivered the keynote address at the opening of ACHOD25. In his remarks, he emphasized that the conference serves not only as a forum for military cooperation but also as a vital platform for strategic dialogue, policy alignment, and strengthening Africa’s collective voice in global security affairs.
“We have 38 different delegations attending this conference, and it speaks to the growing awareness that security goes beyond the borders of any country and that collaboration, partnership and building synergy is the way to greater security and stability within and outside our countries,” Ruto said. “The theme – strengthening African security, sustaining unity of effort – underscores the reality that our safety is interconnected. When one country or region falters, the ripple effect transcends borders, impacting livelihoods, economies and development prospects. True security in Africa must be continental in ambition and collaborative in execution.”
ACHOD25 provided an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships and fostering the sharing of expertise and alliances. The annual conference promotes regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by advocating for cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.
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