SL Envoy, Kenya Defence Forces Chief forge collaborative Defence Initiatives
Chief of the Defence Forces of Kenya, General Francis Omondi Ogolla greets Sri Lanka High Commissioner to Kenya, Kana Kananathan on his arrival at Kenyan Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.
In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral ties, Sri Lanka High Commissioner to Kenya, Kana Kananathan met with the Chief of the Defence Forces of Kenya, General Francis Omondi Ogolla to strengthen defense co-operation between the two nations, where both nations agreed to a comprehensive framework of co-operation.
At the meeting held at the Kenyan Defence Headquarters in Nairobi, both General Ogola and High Commissioner Kananathan engaged in extensive talks revolving around a range of defence-related matters, including sharing expertise in counter-terrorism strategies, maritime security, peacekeeping operations and military training programmes to mention a few.
High Commissioner Kananathan expressed his country’s keen interest in sharing their experiences and knowledge in dealing with asymmetrical threats, drawing from their own history of combating terrorism. He highlighted the importance of joint exercises and training programs that would facilitate the exchange of best practices and promote interoperability between the armed forces of Sri Lanka and Kenya.
General Ogolla echoed the sentiment, affirming Kenya’s commitment to building strong ties with Sri Lanka in the realm of defence. He commended Sri Lanka’s expertise in maritime security, given their strategic location in the Indian Ocean, and expressed enthusiasm for potential joint patrols and intelligence sharing to counter piracy and illicit activities in the region.
Both parties emphasized the significance of regional stability and security, acknowledging that close co-operation between their defence forces would contribute to a safer and more secure East African region. General Ogolla and Kananathan also discussed the possibility of collaboration in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations umbrella, further underscoring their shared commitment to global security efforts.
The following key areas of collaboration were highlights of the meeting.
Training for Kenyan Forces:
Sri Lanka and Kenya have agreed to collaborate closely in providing specialized training for Kenyan military personnel. This initiative aims to enhance the skills and capabilities of Kenyan forces through expert guidance from Sri Lankan counterparts National Defence College (NDC) and War College Training:
In a bid to bolster middle-grade officers’ expertise, both countries have committed to facilitating training opportunities at the prestigious National Defence College and War College. This initiative will offer Kenyan officers an opportunity to learn from Sri Lanka’s experiences and strategies in defence and security.
Staff College Training for Staff Officers:
Sri Lanka and Kenya will collaborate on establishing tailored training programmes at Staff colleges for Staff officers. This endeavor aims to enhance the skills of Staff officers in effectively strategising, planning and executing military operations. The exchange of knowledge and best practices is anticipated to contribute significantly to the professional development of Kenyan Staff officers.
Combat Riders Training:
Given the importance of mobility and rapid response in modern military operations, both nations will engage in joint training programmes focusing on combat riders. Sri Lanka’s expertise in this field will be harnessed to enhance Kenyan forces’ ability to execute swift and effective combat operations.
Fighting in Built-Up Areas (FIBUA) Training:
Recognizing the unique challenges posed by urban warfare, Sri Lanka and Kenya will collaborate to provide training in fighting in built-up areas. This specialized training will equip Kenyan forces with the skills necessary to navigate and succeed in complex urban environments.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both General Ogolla and High Commcommissioner. Kananathan expressing optimism about the future of their defence partnership. They agreed to establish a joint working group that would outline specific areas of collaboration and chart a roadmap for implementing the proposed initiatives.
As the two countries embark on this journey towards enhanced defence cooperation, the diplomatic channels between Sri Lanka and Kenya remain active, poised to solidify their commitment to a more secure and stable future for their nations and the broader region.
Sri Lanka High Commissioner Kananathan expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that the partnership signifies a new chapter in further enhancing the strong and longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and Kenya. The Chief of Defence Forces of Kenya General Ogola Kenya emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and joint efforts to ensure the safety and security of both countries, and thanked High Commissioner Kananathan for the his unwavering support to strengthen Kenya-Sri Lanka relations, while fostering co-operation, as being truly commendable.
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