President Uhuru Kenyatta Monday applauded the Kenya Defence Forces for maintaining high standards that has earned them global respect as well as the role they have played in Somalia.
The President said the KDF is admired both at home and internationally for their discipline and professionalism.
He further commended the forces for inspiring confidence in Kenyans through the proud manner in which they display their patriotism.
“As Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, I take pride in the high standard that has been the hallmark of our Defence Forces,” he said.
The President also lauded the major role the KDF plays in the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions in various parts of the world, including, among others, Africa, Europe and Asia.
He said the continuous participation of Kenyan military personnel in these missions reflects the confidence that the United Nations and, in particular, the Security Council, has in the Kenya Defence Forces.
President Kenyatta also lauded the role KDF has played in stabilising Somalia in the war against terrorism.
“We must be proud of the confidence bestowed on our troops serving outside our country and also the commendable gains they have made in the war against terrorists,” said the Head of State.
He said the confidence and success was a true testimony of the standard of our military training and professionalism.
The President reiterated the government’s commitment to continue investing more in national security agencies.
“We invest in our forces in the knowledge that we can only realise our stated goal of sustainable development only when the lives of our people and their properties are secure,” said President Kenyatta.
The President, who spoke when he presided over the graduation ceremony of 2988 new soldiers at the Kenya Defence Forces Recruits Training School called on the new soldiers to follow in the footsteps of their superiors and colleagues.
“Your fellow countrymen expect you to execute this noble responsibility and to guard the legacy that has been bequeathed to you by maintaining the dignity, distinction and repute of our Defence Forces. Their hope is that you will never betray that trust or in any way let them down,” he said.
President Kenyatta also presented awards to several recruits who came tops in different fields.
The best recruit all round was Irene Kaleka of the Kenya Army while Kenya Navy’s James Ruriga was the second best.
Timothy Kiptoo (Kenya Navy) and Reuben Ng’ang’a (Kenya Air Force) came out tops in sharp shooting with Kiptoo attaining the best shot G3 while Ng’anga was the best in the light machine gun category using Negev LMG.
The President was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary for Defense, Amb Raychelle Omamo, Chief of Defence Forces, General Samson Mwathethe, the Service Commanders and other senior officials.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago was among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony at the Moi Baracks Eldoret.