By Kenyans
Kenya has taken a step toward strengthening defence manufacturing capacity following a high-level visit to Egypt by senior officials from the Directorate of National Security Industries (DNSI).
The delegation, led by Director General Major General Faustino Lobaly, comprised a team of senior officers focused on deepening bilateral defence industry cooperation between Kenya and Egypt.
During the visit on December 20, the Kenyan delegation toured several key Egyptian defence and security manufacturing establishments to gain firsthand exposure to Egypt’s military industrial capabilities.
Among the facilities visited were the Arab International Optronics (AIO) Company and the Engineering Industries Complex, both of which play a central role in Egypt’s defence production ecosystem.
The team also held engagements at the Ministry of Military Production (MoMP), a critical institution that oversees Egypt’s defence manufacturing and industrial policy framework. The MoMP was central to policy-making and coordinated the other companies that the Director General of DNSI visited.
Additional visits were made to the Kader Factories and the Helwan Factories for Developed Industries, which are known for producing a wide range of military equipment and advanced defence technologies.
The engagements were conducted within the framework of the Kenya–Egypt Joint Military Cooperation Agreement, which guides defence collaboration between the two countries.
Officials stated that the visit provided valuable insights into Egypt’s production capabilities, technological capacity, and operational frameworks within the defence industry.
Kenya’s delegation also examined how Egypt integrates research, development, and manufacturing to support both national security and export-oriented defence production.
According to the DNSI delegation, the engagements strengthened mutual understanding of Kenya and Egypt’s defence industrial posture and strategic priorities.
The visit was intended to establish a solid foundation for enhanced collaboration, including technology exchange, skills development, and potential joint defence industry initiatives.
Kenya has increasingly prioritised the growth of its domestic defence manufacturing sector, with the Egypt visit signalling a broader push to leverage international partnerships to build sustainable local capacity.