Kenya and Indian militaries staged a high level Defence Seminar and Expo at a Nairobi hotel as part of efforts to enhance their relationship.
Vice of Chief Defense Forces Lieutenant General Francis Ogolla graced the two-day Expo, the first of its kind in the country.
It provided a rare opportunity for the Indian Armed Forces to showcase their industries in various fields including shipbuilding, electronics, vehicles and aircrafts among others.
Lt Gen Ogolla acknowledged the existing Kenya-India relations in various sectors dating back to pre-independence that has led to enhanced education for Kenya Defence Forces officers and service members.
He noted that the Expo is timely as it shall help fast-track the Defence Cooperation Agreement between the two countries that aim at exploring and expanding Cooperation in ICT and Defence Research and Development.
“I believe the wide range of systems and technologies being showcased are well suited to address the challenges existing in the current fast-evolving operating environment. I’m convinced that this Seminar and Expo will provide an opportunity for KDF to acquaint, identify and interrogate India’s defense manufacturing capabilities and products,” he said.
Lt Gen Ogolla represented Gen Robert Kibochi.
India’s High Commissioner to Kenya Namgya Khampa said the Indian military shall support the modernization efforts of the KDF even as they position themselves to enroll Kenya as in their list of partners in the defense industry.“I believe this Expo shall go a strong way in forestalling strong bonds of cooperation and collaboration. I believe that we can be cross-partners by supporting each other in Defence corporations and industry for win-win solutions to benefit both countries. We have a common responsibility of ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment in Indian Ocean that links us,” she said.
Up to 24 Indian public and private defense manufacturers, and firms marketing firms, are participating in the event along with stakeholders.
The two countries earlier held second Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between on 08-09 November 2022.
The JDCC meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary (Armed Forces), Shri Manish Tripathi and Major General Frederick Leuria, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces, Operations, Plans, Doctrine and Training from Kenya.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the progress made in military-to-military engagements, including Joint Exercises, Training, High Level visits, Expert Exchanges, Industry Cooperation and Cooperation in the field of Research and Development.
It was agreed to identify new avenues and examine areas of mutual interest in order to enhance defence industry cooperation, including by exploring joint ventures.
Both sides underlined the warm and friendly relations enjoyed by India and Kenya that have evolved into a multi-faceted partnership, marked by high-level visits, increasing trade and investment as well as extensive people to people contacts.
It was agreed to hold the next meeting of JDCC in India on mutually convenient dates in 2023.
