DEFCROS Summit Kenya: International Kick off in Nairobi, Advancing Global Cooperation in Public Safety and Defense
ABOUT THE EVENT
The DEFCROS Summit was successfully held in Nairobi on 14 July 2026, marking the first time the DEFCROS platform has organised an event outside Europe and signalling the beginning of its international expansion.
The DEFCROS Summit Kenya brought together representatives from government institutions, industry, academia, humanitarian organisations and the private sector to discuss how international partnerships can contribute to stronger public safety, security and defense capabilities.
The programme focused on practical cooperation between stakeholders, the development of internationally funded projects and the exchange of expertise needed to address increasingly complex security challenges facing communities worldwide.
Kristijan Ilovača, Chief Executive Officer of DEFCROS, opened the conference and presented opportunities available through U.S. Government procurement programmes, including AMIC, while outlining practical approaches for international organisations seeking to participate in publicly funded projects. He also shared examples of successfully implemented initiatives in Kenya, as well as other countries worldwide, demonstrating the importance of long-term partnerships built on local knowledge, international expertise and shared objectives.
Dunja Ilovača, Chief Operating Officer of Sky Fort Systems, by presenting opportunities for cooperation between industry, universities, governments and international organisations, with the main focus of how collaborative partnerships and EU funding programmes can support development and capacity building initiatives within the public safety and defense sector.
Representing the humanitarian sector, Kali Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of MX4 Rescue, addressed the realities of combating human trafficking, highlighting the operational challenges faced by frontline organisations and emphasising the importance of coordinated action between governments, humanitarian agencies and the private sector.
ABOUT DEFCROS
Originally established as an “International public safety and defense” - DEFCROS has grown into a global platform comprising exhibitions, summits and DEFCROS News, creating opportunities for dialogue, cooperation and knowledge exchange among organisations working across the public safety and defense sector.
The DEFCROS Summit Kenya reflected a shared understanding that many of today's security challenges extend beyond national borders and require multidisciplinary, international responses. Discussions throughout the event emphasised the importance of connecting expertise, strengthening institutional partnerships and developing sustainable projects capable of delivering measurable impact for both local communities and international partners.
With its first event successfully delivered on African soil, DEFCROS has taken an important step towards building a broader international network dedicated to advancing cooperation, innovation and practical solutions in public safety and defense.
