President Ruto hails KDF as pillars of national unity and development

President William Ruto has paid glowing tribute to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for safeguarding Kenya's borders and being key drivers in the nation's development agenda.

The President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the KDF, commended the men and women in uniform for being agents of national unity and cohesion.

"It is the soldier who stands as the living shield of our sovereignty, the steadfast pillar upon which our security, progress, and national destiny are built," he said.

He made the remarks when he presided over the 2025 KDF Day celebrations at the Moi Barracks in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Tuesday.

The President said: "Every soldier who dons the Kenyan uniform carries the hopes, safety, and dignity of millions of our citizens."

Present were Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Chief of Kenya Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri, and retired CDFs General Daudi Tonje and General Jeremiah Kianga.

Others were Vice CDF Lt-General John Omenda and Service Commanders Lt-General David Ketter (Army), Major-General Benard Waliaula (Airforce), and Major-General Paul Otieno (Navy).

KDF Day is set aside to commemorate the beginning of Kenya's military intervention in Somalia, Operation Linda Nchi, on October 14, 2011.

The day was first celebrated a year later, in October 2012, and the occasion is marked with pomp and color around various themes.

In line with this year's theme, 'Enhancing a Soldier-Centric Approach Towards Mission Readiness for National Security and Development', President Ruto outlined four priority areas to strengthen KDF.

To enhance the welfare of soldiers and their families, the President said the government has expanded healthcare in military facilities, accelerated housing projects across services, bases, and barracks, and enhanced family support programmes.

"When a soldier has the comfort of knowing that family is safe and supported, they serve with sharper focus, greater courage, and unshakable resolve," he said.

Additionally, he said the government is investing heavily in training and professional development of KDF soldiers. This includes upgrading training facilities, integrating advanced technologies, and deepening professional military education.

"Through collaboration with allied nations, our troops now train alongside the best, mastering both conventional and modern forms of warfare," he said.

Furthermore, he said, the government has embarked on ambitious modernisation of equipment and technologies.

To this end, he explained that the government fast-tracked the acquisition and modernisation of defence systems, improved mobility platforms, and strengthened cyber and intelligence capabilities.

Finally, the President said the government is reinforcing the psychological and spiritual support of KDF personnel by scaling up programmes to address post-traumatic stress, build resilience, and provide moral guidance.

"Mission readiness demands inner strength as much as physical endurance," he said.

He said Kenya will continue to harness the skills and expertise of KDF in nation-building projects across sectors of the economy.

He said the Ulinzi Construction Company, which was registered in 2021, would be equipped and well-resourced to enable the military to undertake construction work in difficult parts of the country.

"It will have the capabilities to undertake construction of roads, bridges and houses, especially in difficult areas of our nation," he said.

He commended KDF for the readiness to undertake missions across the world when called upon, and its contribution to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.

The President called on KDF to further build on their good reputation at home and abroad by "thinking big, believing in the potential of the Kenyan people, and rejecting mediocrity".

"We must aim higher, work harder, and serve better. We must settle for nothing less than the very best," he said.

President Ruto paid tribute to KDF soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, calling them Kenya's brave heroes.

"As Commander-in-Chief, I solemnly reaffirm the government’s resolute commitment to honouring their service through devoted care and support for their dependants," he said.

Others in attendance were retired general officers and service personnel, KDF veterans, MPs, and other leaders.