The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Gambia, Lieutenant General Mamat O.A. Cham, paid a courtesy visit to National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) at the University Seat in Lanet, Nakuru.The CDS and his delegation were received at the University by Vice-Chancellor (VC)  Lieutenant General David Tarus.

The visit provided the delegation with an understanding of NDU-K’s capacities and capabilities in achieving operational and strategic goals. As a well established institution, NDU-K and its colleges foster a culture of research and intellectual rigor, contributing to knowledge that informs policy-making and strategic planning in Kenya and beyond.

Additionally, the visit facilitated the exchange of ideas aimed at strengthening partnerships in education and research in the defence and security sector.

During the visit,  the CDS, commended the University management for the insightful briefs undertaking to look into possible areas of cooperation in terms of research, exchange programmes and joint trainings. He emphasized that such collaborations enhance bilateral interoperability and the ability to work cohesively. 

On his part, Lt. Gen Tarus, emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships between national and international institutions. He explained that such collaborations offer valuable insights and solutions to the increasingly complex security challenges facing the world today. 

The VC reiterated the NDU-K’s mandate of training, capacity building and conducting research and innovation in national security and strategy, highlighting that progress in these areas rely on mutual learning through collaboration with relevant institutions.

Highlighting the rapidly growing complexity of security challenges, he underscored the need for professional military education and quality research, to develop the necessary capabilities and capacities to combat them.

Lieutenant General Cham and his delegation also visited Kenya Military Academy (KMA) where they were briefed on Academy's core mandate which is to train Officer Cadets for commissioning as officer of the KenyaDefenceForces and militaries of allied countries.

The CDS was accompanied by Brigadier General Sait Njie, Commander Gambia National Army; Colonel Musa Trawally, Defence Attaché to Addis Ababa; Lieutenant Colonel Abdoulie Jobe, Military Assistant to the CDS; Major Momodou Bah, Aide-de-Camp to the CDS; and Major Abdoulie Secka, Commandant GAF Training School.