The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has brought together security experts from across Africa to Nairobi for a crucial conversation on one of the continent’s most persistent security threats: Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The 7th Annual African Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Conference kicked off on October 7, 2025, at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Nairobi. The three-day event, running until October 9, 2025, aims to strengthen collaboration among African nations in detecting, preventing, and responding to the growing threat of IEDs that continue to endanger both soldiers and civilians across the region.

According to a statement by KDF posted on X on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the conference brings together military officers, security professionals, and technical experts from various countries to share ideas, experiences, and innovations in countering the use of explosives by militant and criminal groups.

“The 7th Annual African Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Conference kicked off on October 7, 2025, at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Nairobi. This three-day conference, running from October 6 to 9, 2025, brings together security experts from across the continent to discuss current Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) trends and threats. The conference was officially opened by the Vice Chief of Kenya Defence Forces (VCDF) Lt General John Omenda.” KDF stated.

The HPSS, located in Embakasi, serves as one of Africa’s leading training hubs for peace support and humanitarian operations. Its strong background in mine action, disaster response, and peacekeeping training made it an ideal host for this year’s C-IED conference.

In his remarks during the opening ceremony, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General John Omenda underscored the importance of such platforms in improving regional security. “The lessons and strategies shared during the forum would help participating countries to build stronger and safer defence systems against IED threats,” he noted

“It is my honour to stand in for the Chief of Defence Forces and welcome you all to the 7th Annual African Counter Improvised Explosive Device Conference. I extend a warm welcome to our international partners and member states who have joined us today. Over the next three days, we will engage in a comprehensive forum to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in countering the threat of IEDs. This conference offers a unique opportunity for us to learn from one another and gain valuable insights to take back to our respective countries. I am confident that the discussions and presentations will be informative, thought-provoking, and enriching. Our focus will be on introducing and exploring realistic training methodologies that can be applied in real-world scenarios,” he highlighted.

The conference also reinforces Kenya’s long-standing role in promoting regional peace and stability, especially given its proximity to Somalia, one of the countries most affected by IED attacks.

Among those in attendance were the UK High Commission Defence Advisor to Kenya, Brigadier Oliver Bryant, IPSTC Director Major General Charles L. Mwazighe, HPSS Commandant Brigadier Cleopas Mundui, Commander Engineers Brigade Brigadier Joseph Mutua, senior military officers from various African nations, and other invited experts.