Kenya, India defence share military expertise

Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces Gen Robert Kibochi. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The Indian military has promised to share its expertise with Kenya.

This was assured during a defence seminar and expo in Nairobi organised jointly by the two countries.

The expo provided an opportunity for the Indian Armed Forces to showcase their industries in various disciplines that include ship-building, electronics, vehicles, and aircraft.

Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces Gen Robert Kibochi, in a speech read on his behalf by Vice Chief of Defence Forces, Lieutenant Gen Francis Ogolla said Kenyan soldiers have benefitted from the expertise of their Indian counterparts.

"I believe the wide range of technologies is well suited to address challenges in the current fast-evolving operating environment," Kibochi said.

The KDF boss acknowledged the existing Kenya-India relations in various sectors which he said date back to the pre-colonial period. He said the expo will fast-track the defence cooperation ties between the two countries in ICT, defence research and development.

''This seminar and expo will provide an opportunity for KDF to identify and interrogate Indians' defence manufacturing capabilities and products," Kibochi said.

High Commissioner of India to Kenya Namgya Khampa said her country will continue supporting the modernisation efforts of the Kenya Defence Forces.

''I believe this expo shall go a long way in fostering a strong bond of cooperation and collaboration. We can be cross-partners by supporting each other to benefit our two countries,'' Khampa said.

She called for a productive and extensive interaction between the industry and two government officials to explore further engagement, including joint ventures and other partnerships.

"We have a common responsibility of ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment in the Indian Ocean that links us,'' she said.