President Uhuru Kenyatta when he presided over Officer Cadets Commissioning Parade at the Kenya Military Academy, Lanet in Nakuru County on Thursday. [Photo: PSCU]
The government is committed to modernize the military in order to cope with emerging security challenges.
Speaking on Thursday at the military academy in Lanet, Nakuru County when he commissioned 141 General Service Officer Cadets, President Uhuru Kenyatta stated that at a time when Kenya is facing terror and extremists threats, there is need to equip the security with requisite skills to combat the same.
“You join our defense force at a time when Kenya is facing the risk of terror and extremists thus the need to equip our security with the requisite skills to combat the same,” said the President.
The head of state also appreciated the fact that the component of Bachelor of Science in military studies being offered to cadets in the academy has been perfected and will greatly improve the officer’s combat skills.
President Kenyatta further appreciated the role of the military in ensuring that peace and cohesion is upheld regardless of their tribal affiliations.
He noted that officers from east African countries will return home better equipped to make their militaries more robust.
“I note with satisfaction the good number of Cadets seconded from countries with which Kenya has warm relations. I do not doubt that our brothers and sisters from Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi return home having in possession of excellent training that will build their respective militaries,” he said.
The commissioned cadets form the fourth group that has undergone the three-year training, that includes an undergraduate academic component in addition to the professional and character training of old.
Cadets seconded from countries with which Kenya has warm relations including Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi were among those who attended the training.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Samson Mwathethe, services commanders and Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui were present at the event.