 Salaita was a strategic lookout post close to the border town of Taveta, in present-day Kenya.Its proximity to the border of German East Africa, and the belief that it was defended by only a small detachment of just 300 men without artillery made it an attractive initial objective for Smuts' offensive.The advance into German East Africa was conducted by the 2nd South African Division, commanded by Brigadier General Wilfrid Malleson.