CDF Participates In African Chiefs Of Defence Conference. Their Agenda

ROME, Italy, Feb 10- Chief of the Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi attended this year’s African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Rome, Italy from 31st January to 3rd February 2022 on the invitation of Gen Stephen Townsend, Commander US Africa Command (AFRICOM).

Themed ‘Shared Investment for a Shared Future,’, the conference brought together senior military leaders from 36 countries.

Speaking on Crisis Preparation, Response and Recovery as a panelist, General Kibochi highlighted the effects of climate change which include precipitating resource-related conflicts; calling on African military leaders to enhance joint national and global efforts and expand their medical and engineering capabilities to be able to address the effects of contemporary non-traditional and traditional threats to security.

General Kibochi highlighted Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) efforts to fight effects of climate change and which include developing a Defence Environmental Sustainability Policy, executing an afforestation program dubbed Defence Environmental Soldier Program, and sinking peace dams in Arid and Semi-Arid areas of the Country.

Commander AFRICOM, Gen. Stephen Townsend, noted the rich and candid discussions among senior military leaders that will go a long way in addressing national, regional, and global challenges induced by climate change.

“Our partnership with the nations in Africa is a partnership of friends, working together to address mutual security challenges,” said Gen Townsend.

The conference discussions included five overarching panels: Crisis Preparation, Response, and Recovery; Threats to Security and Rule of Law; Protecting Resources; Effects of Technology; and Interoperability.