NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Directorate of Medical Services (DMS) this week hosted an Egyptian military medical delegation for a two-day Joint Military Committee (JMC) meeting at Defence Headquarters, reaffirming the deepening cooperation between the two nations in defence health systems, training, and capacity building.
The meeting, co-chaired by Acting Director of Medical Services Brigadier Japheth Ndegwa and his Egyptian counterpart Brigadier Hytham Maher, focused on strengthening collaboration in medical response systems, professional exchanges, and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing the operational readiness and resilience of military health services.
Brigadier Ndegwa described the engagement as a tangible expression of the long-standing and strategic partnership between Kenya and Egypt.
He underscored the importance of transforming shared commitments into measurable outcomes that improve the quality and coordination of defence medical services.
“This meeting reflects our shared intent to translate strategy into action,” said Brigadier Ndegwa. “By pooling expertise and resources, we can significantly enhance the operational effectiveness and humanitarian outreach of our military medical services in both countries.”
He noted that modern security threats — including combat injuries, pandemics, and other public health emergencies — demand unified and adaptable medical responses.
The meeting, he said, would provide a framework for ongoing joint research, knowledge transfer, and logistical coordination in emergency medical preparedness.
Brigadier Maher echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the value of self-sufficiency and efficiency in the provision of military medical care within increasingly complex and dynamic operational environments.
“A healthy nation builds a strong nation,” Brigadier Maher said. “This meeting opens doors for mutually beneficial collaboration not only between Kenya and Egypt but across Africa as a whole. Through this partnership, we aim to enhance medical expertise, strengthen systems, and improve service delivery for our personnel and communities.”
The Egyptian delegation’s visit included a tour of key KDF medical facilities, among them the Level 5 Defence Forces Memorial Hospital (DFMH), the Defence Forces Wellness Centre (DFWC), and the Level 4 Nairobi Regional Hospital.
During the tour, the delegation was briefed on each facility’s organisation, medical services, and operational challenges.
The two militaries have, over the years, maintained close cooperation in areas such as peacekeeping, logistics, and training, and this latest engagement marks a renewed commitment to deepen health-related collaboration.
Officials from both sides noted that the outcomes of the Nairobi meeting would guide the formulation of new frameworks for continued exchange, joint research programmes, and mutual support during humanitarian or emergency health interventions.
The JMC concluded with a joint resolution to institutionalize regular consultations between the two defence medical directorates, aligning with broader African Union efforts to promote regional health security and strengthen cross-border resilience against emerging medical threats.
“Our nations share not only a commitment to peace and stability but also to the well-being of those who serve,” Brigadier Ndegwa affirmed. “This partnership lays the groundwork for a more integrated, responsive, and sustainable military health system in Africa.”
