A member of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) walked to the entrance of Archer’s Post Sub-County Hospital and called out the number 113. A young mother with a baby on her back rose and approached from a tent outside.
She seemed hesitant about getting medical treatment from medics with the KDF and U.S. Army but smiled as she was received. The woman was one of hundreds of Kenyans, including residents of distant villages and members of nomadic tribes, who received medical treatment during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25).
“The purpose of this exercise was to have a medical outreach to the local communities,” KDF 2nd Lt. Dr. Kevin Kamata, a medical officer with the 21st Kenya Rifles, said. “The reception of the locals to this exercise has been really positive.”
Justified Accord is U.S. Africa Command’s (AFRICOM) largest East African military exercise. Led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), it was hosted February 10 to 21 in Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania.
The joint medical operations addressed issues such as upper respiratory infections, gastrointestinal conditions, urinary tract infections and musculoskeletal pain. U.S. and KDF medics were joined by civilian hospital staffers.
“This is a god-sent help,” said Dr. John Lenkulate, the Archer’s Post Sub-County Hospital director. “These are poor people who are unable to pay for medical expenses. And whenever the American Army and KDF come here, the people benefit from free medical treatment.”
Throughout JA25, troops from more than 15 countries practiced battlefield situations, but the exercise also included outreach to the local population, such as an event that offered veterinary care for livestock.
“It’s a great honor to take part in exercise Justified Accord 2025,” KDF Brig. William Kamoiro, commander of the 2nd Brigade and KDF exercise director, said. “We give much appreciation to the U.S. for their partnership in training and the exchange of knowledge and skills. The training in small team tactics, optics, as well as combat medics will serve to ensure seamless cooperation and effective support in future joint tasks and duties.”
The exercise’s collaborative effort aimed to enhance readiness, foster cooperation and equip participants with skills for maintaining peace and security in East Africa and beyond.
“Justified Accord is a critical exercise that brings together our partners to strengthen security and stability in East Africa,” U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Porter, deputy chief of exercises, SETAF-AF, said in a news release. “Through joint training and collaboration, we enhance our ability to operate effectively together in response to emerging challenges.”
Members of the Somali National Army (SNA) and its elite Danab Special Forces were among this year’s participants. These troops are on the front lines of Somalia’s nearly two-decade battle against al-Shabaab.
“I came here to work for my country and to help my people,” SNA Sgt. Mubaarak Abdi Mohamed said.
The Somali forces trained with members of the U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team
to refine tactical proficiency, develop leadership and joint operational coordination. Enhancing the ability to conduct precision operations and respond to security threats was a key focus. Joint exercises provided opportunities to exchange best practices, improving their effectiveness in complex environments.
SNA Sgt. Hussein Dahir Muhammad has seen the devastation al-Shabaab has inflicted on Somali communities.
“Al-Shabaab is terrorism,” Hussein Dahir said. “They don’t know brotherhood, and they’re always killing civilians. Terrorism has destroyed our country. That’s why I’m here — to divide the enemy of my country.”
Other training exercises at JA25 included urban operations, joint maneuver tactics and security force coordination.
“They [the U.S.] always give us their precious time,” Hussein Dahir said. “It is nice.”
Lt. Gen. John Omenda, vice chief of the KDF, presided over the closure of JA25 at the Counter Insurgency, Terrorism, and Stability Operations Center in Nanyuki.
“When the time comes, you will be required to put the skills you have learned here into practice,” he said. “It is vital to remember all lessons gained during this exercise.”