Lieutent General David Kimaiyo Tarus

The Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, presided over the 13th Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Day celebrations at Thika Garrison.

The event, themed "One Force, Mission Ready: Unity in Action for National Security and Development," is held annually to honor the men and women in uniform—those currently serving, retired, and those who have paid the ultimate price in defending Kenya.

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KENYA DEFENCE FORCES DONATES CLOTHING TO SCHOOL CHILDREN

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops operating in Baringo County under Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) donated assorted clothing to school children at Chesitet Primary School. This initiative aims to reduce absenteeism among children and encourage parents to send their children to school.

The ongoing banditry in the North Rift region has left many schools in disrepair and deprived many school-aged children of their education, a vital tool for overcoming the challenges faced in this unrest-plagued area.

During the event, Chesitet Primary School headteacher, Ms. Sheila Cherito, highlighted that many children have been absent from school due to a lack of adequate clothing, which affects their emotional well-being. "Wearing tattered clothes can significantly impact students emotionally. The stigma and shame can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression," Ms. Cherito noted.

Major Stephen Kisilu, the Officer Commanding Chesitet Base, emphasized that inadequate clothing leads to increased absenteeism, as students often skip school to avoid embarrassment, disrupting their learning and progress.

The area Assistant Chief, Mr. Benson Arapkwen, expressed gratitude to the KDF and assured the troops of the community's continued support in the fight against banditry until normalcy is restored in the region.

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Kenya Defence Forces medical team deployed in Gherille Forward Operating Base (FOB) helped a woman in labour to deliver.

The woman, Kaltuma Hassan Adon, who is in her mid-30s, accompanied by two women, arrived at the Gherille FOB’s Medical Aid Post in an advanced labour for about 8 hours and was received by the KDF medical team who went on and successfully asisted her to deliver a healthy baby boy.

The mother and the newborn baby were later transferred to Gherille Medical Facility for further postnatal care.

Later on, KDF troops visited Kaltuma’s family, where they delivered assorted foodstuffs.

This latest act of kindness by Gherille FOB comes just three weeks since a team from KDF on patrol came across another woman, who was also in labour. Mrs. Quresha Mungay from Gherille- Somalia sought delivery services prompting the military personnel to take her in before helping her deliver safely

COMMANDER KENYA NAVY VOLLEYBALL CHALLENGE CUP COMES TO AN END

The inaugural Commander Kenya Navy Volleyball Challenge Cup concluded with an exhilarating ceremony presided over by Deputy Commander Kenya Navy, Brigadier Peter Chelimo, at Lieutenant Colonel Kimaro Stadium in Mtongwe, Mombasa.

The competition aimed to provide a forum for the teams to nurture and showcase their volleyball talent, as well as to foster esprit de corps among the Kenya Defence Forces' (KDF) various Units and Formations.

The four-day challenge saw a spirited competition among teams drawn from various KDF Units and Formations, including Kenya Navy Base (KNB) Mtongwe, KNB Manda, Armoured Brigade, 8th Brigade, Combat Engineers, Kahawa Garrison, Moi AirBase (MAB), Laikipia AirBase (LAB), and Wajir AirBase (WAB), who demonstrated skill, determination and teamwork.

Kahawa Team emerged the overall winners of the Commander Kenya Navy Volleyball Challenge Cup. LAB were crowned winners in the men category with a 3-1 victory after a decisive performance and hard fought battle against Kahawa Garrison team who clinched second position as MAB and Kenya Navy team took third and fourth positions respectively.

In the women’s final Kahawa team demonstrated superior coordination and agility, ultimately securing a 3-0 victory against MAB. The faceoff between the teams displayed exceptional talent and resilience making it a riveting spectacle for the spectators.

Brigadier Chelimo, who read Commander Kenya Navy's remarks during the concluding ceremony, commended the participants for their dedication and excellence, highlighting the continuous growth of sports in KDF.

“The KDF community looks forward to more thrilling games even as we remain committed to supporting and nurturing sports as a vital component for Officers and Service Members’ well-being and morale,” read the speech in part.

He also underscored the importance of military games within the KDF in promoting physical fitness, teamwork, mutual respect and talent among the personnel.

He thanked the sponsors of the Challenge and all the teams for their active participation.

In attendance during the event was Commander Kenya Navy Fleet, Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa, Principal Staff Officers, Senior Officers, Officers, Service Members and Corporate Sponsors.

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MAJOR GENERAL KINUTHIA FLAGS OFF KDF GOLF TEAM TO WORLD MILITARY GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

Major General Erick Kinuthia, patron of the Kenya Defence Force Golfers Association (KDFGA), flagged off the KDF golf team set to represent Kenya at the 15th International Military Sports Council (CISM) World Military Golf Championship. The event is scheduled to be held from the 16th to the 23rd of June at the Elephant Hills Golf Course near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The KDF team, composed of 11 skilled players led by Brigadier Joseph Muracia, is poised to compete against military golfers from across the globe.

Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony, Major General Kinuthia expressed his gratitude to the event sponsors, Kingdom Bank and the Ministry of Defence, for their unwavering support. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset during the final days of training and throughout the competition.

"Your dedication and hard work have brought you to this moment," Maj Gen Kinuthia said. "Remember, your performance not only reflects on you as individuals but also on the KDF and our nation. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and give it your best."

He also conveyed the Chief of Defence Forces' (CDF) greetings and well-wishes to the team. "Know that you have the full support of the entire KDF," he assured. "We are behind you every step of the way."

The team captain, Brig Muracia shared insights into the team’s preparation, noting that training commenced on 11th April 2024.

Also present at the event was Mr. Anthony Mburu, Managing Director of Kingdom Bank. In his address, Mr. Mburu highlighted the disciplined nature of golf, drawing parallels with the military profession.

"Golf, much like military service, requires precision, discipline, and strategic thinking," he remarked. "We are proud to support a team that embodies these values and wish you the best of luck. Remember, you are representing not just the KDF, but Kenya as a whole."

Kenya is gearing up to host the 16th edition of the CISM World Military Golf Championship in 2025, an exciting prospect that adds to the significance of this year's participation.

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ONE FORCE, FORGING AHEAD FOR MISSION READINESS

Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri has today visited the Kenya Army as he commenced the CDF familiarisation visits to KDF Services, Formations and Units. The familiarisation visits provide a holistic view of the respective Service and also an opportunity for the CDF to interact with the Officers and Soldiers of the Service across rank and file.

The event was held at Kahawa Garrison, Nairobi County, where the CDF was received by the Commander Kenya Army Lieutenant General David Tarus. During the visit, the CDF lay a wreath at the Garrison Monument in honour of the fallen soldiers, and also inspected a Half Guard of Honour mounted by the 7th Battalion the Kenya Rifles (7KR).

In his welcoming remarks, Lt Gen Tarus congratulated the CDF for his promotion and appointment and averred to the mission readiness of the Kenya Army to support KDF mandate.

“I wish to commend you on your recent promotion and appointment as our CDF and reassure you of the Kenya Army’s commitment towards supporting your vision for the KDF", he said.

In his address, Gen Kahariri, appreciated the invaluable sacrifice and determination by the Kenya Army troops in defending the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of our country against land-based threats as well as for their commitment in implementation of KDF's Secondary Mandate. In expressing appreciation he said; “You have performed exceptionally in external operations and registered success in multi-agency arrangements to deliver on, internal security,”. He also appreciated the role of the Kenya Army reitarating the values of inter-agency collaboration and called for utmost professionalism and conscientiousness to duty.

Describing climate change as ‘a serious threat to national security,’ the CDF further urged the troops to commit towards leading the national environmental conservation efforts and promised Defence Headquarter’s support in the initiative, including establishment of tree seedling nurseries and participation in tree planting exercises.

"Floods have recently killed over 200 Kenyans within just few weeks illustrating the seriousness of the climate change effects. Let’s all commit towards restoring the desired environmental security necessary for our wellbeing and survival,” he encouraged.

Additionally, the CDF urged the Kenya Army personnel to continue observing the KDF’s core values of professionalism, integrity, civil prerogative, apolitical and loyal to authorities through the chain of command.

In his remarks the CDF underscored the spirit of one force, forging ahead for mission readiness. Inviting all Kenya Army Personnel to be deeply rooted in professionalism to deliver on their respective assignments. He concluded the visit with a guided tour of the Garrison and its constituent Corps and Units.

Accompanying the CDF were the Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics Major General David Keter, General Officer Commanding Eastern Command Major General Luka Kutto, Chiefs of Branches, Formation Commanders and Staff Officers.

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RESPONSIBLE AI IN THE MILITARY DOMAIN

The Inaugural African Regional Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in Military (REAIM) workshop was held in Nairobi with the aim of providing a platform for open discussion, knowledge sharing and deepening regional understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The two-day event, co-hosted by the Ministry of Defence, the Kingdom of Netherlands and the Republic of Korea enabled delegates and military personnel from 14 countries across the globe to collectively address the opportunities, challenges and risks associated with military applications of AI.

The keynote speaker of the workshop was the Cabinet Secretary for Defence Hon Aden Duale who asserted that together we can create a future where AI not only strengthens our defence capabilities but also upholds the principles of justice, peace and human dignity.

"Kenya is committed to ethical AI practices in military operations to promote security and stability in Africa and globally. Therefore, I urge you to share your insights and collaborate on solutions that will guide towards the responsible and effective use of AI in our Military endeavours," added the CS.

In his address, The Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri highlighted the importance of knowing the profound impact that AI is having and its transformative power in technology, enhancing capabilities, improving decision-making processes and ensuring the security and sovereignty of the nation.

"Developing a comprehensive regulatory framework that governs the use of AI in military operations is essential. Building local capabilities to develop, deploy and regulate AI is crucial. These frameworks should address issues such as data privacy, security and ethical use. Policymakers must work closely with technologies, ethicists and military experts to create policies that balance innovation with responsibility," he said.

On their part Korean Ambassador H.E Won Ik Lee and Chief of Information Officer Netherlands Jorean Van de Vlugt affirmed that AI has extraordinary potential as an enabling technology and these potential risks must be adequately addressed in order to safeguard international security and uphold international law.

As a final note, Director General of Defence National Security Industries (DNSI) Major General Benard Waliula thanked all the participants for demonstrating the power of international cooperation in addressing complex and critical issues together.

Africa participating countries were Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Namibia, Rwanda South Africa, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda. The 2nd REAIM Summit will be held in the Republic of Korea in September 2024.
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CAPACITY BUILDING AND INNOVATION WORKSHOP

The National Defence University-Kenya has today started an integrated 4-day program on course design, facilitation and assessment and publishing workshop at the Defence Headquarters Officers Mess, Nairobi.

The training-themed "Constructive alignment and course design" seeks to raise the skill level of NDU-K staff in developing transformative curricula and effective facilitation of learning and assessment. The training also seeks to equip enhanced professional capacity to the university staff through workshops where participants will be fully engaged in innovative instructional strategies, curriculum frameworks, levels of learning, innovative pedagogical skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, creativity and innovative assessment among others.

In her speech, the Deputy Vice Chief of Academic and Student Affairs, Prof Anne Muigai thanked the workshop facilitators Prof Khaemba Ongeti and Prof Wanjira Kinuthia for having taken the time to come and share their knowledge and expertise in the facilitation and assessment of the workshop. She additionally, encouraged the participants to be steadfast and learn the innovative approaches and use the knowledge acquired to develop and implement innovative assessment strategies in their respective capacities.

"Our core objective here is to re-tool and re-skill ourselves and perhaps also to remind ourselves of how and what it takes to be an effective lecturer and teacher, We therefore have to be open and learn from each other," she noted.

Whilst urging the participants to benefit from the well-known scholars under the leadership of Prof Khaemba, the head of teaching and curriculum at NDU-K, Col(Dr) Charles Imbiakha emphasised the importance of staying up to date with the skills in an ongoing process of learning.

The workshop attracted the presence of senior officers, officers, senior researchers, researchers and program coordinators of the seven constituent colleges of the National Defence University-Kenya.

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Tuko Imara Angani @60

PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS WORKSHOP

Major General Aphaxard Kiugu Commandant Kenya Military Academy(KMA), on behalf of the CDF earlier today presided over the Protection of Civilians Workshop which was held at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Embakasi, Nairobi County. Themed ‘Protection of Civilians in the Context of Peace Operations: Operational realities and challenges’, the Nairobi dialogue surveyed developments in the implementation of protection of Civilians(POC) mandates over the last twenty-five years, highlighting innovations, good practices and lessons learned from UN peacekeeping. Further, it set the stage for several sessions which included evaluating emerging threats to civilians, exploring how peace operations have supported the development of national and local capacities to protect civilians, diverse challenges peace operations face in protecting civilians across their lifecycle and examining approaches to protection of civilians in contexts that differ to UN peacekeeping.

This year marked 25 years since UN security Council adopted the first thematic resolution on the protection of civilians in armed conflict and authorization of the deployment of the first UN peacekeeping mission with an explicit protection of civilians mandate.

In his speech, Maj Gen Kiugu stated that this dialogue comes at a time when the aspect of the Protection of Civilians in peacekeeping missions is faced with various challenges, hence the need for a comprehensive assessment of the existing frameworks. This he says is to provoke a sincere discourse with the intent to inform decision-making in our future to deployment which is vested with the responsibility to protect civilians, should be structured with certainly the involvement of the military, police and civilian components throughout life of missions.

“Over the years, significant strides have been made but challenges still exist and this dialogue today shows the importance of this agenda and the need for effort from various stakeholders and experts to interrogate how POC mandates have been interpreted and implemented to effect positive changes. As armed conflicts become more protracted, complex and urbanized, the risks to civilians have increased. These risks are a source of major concern that need urgent attention.” he said.

Director of the International Peace Support Training Centre(IPSTC), Brigadier General Joyce Sitienei stated that this dialogue aims at enhancing the Protection of Civilians in Conflict zones. She further stated that it’s therefore of great significance to IPSTC as a training institution as the Protection of Civilians is the top priority of all mission mandates.

In attendance was the Commandant of HPSS, John Rongoei, Senior Fellow and Director, Protecting Civilians and Human Security Program, Stimson Center, Lisa Sharland, Researcher, UN program, Center for Civilians in Conflict(CIVIC), Abigail Balde, Coordination Officer, Protection of Civilians, UN Dept of Peace Operations, Lorena Escobal, Senior Advisor, Protection of Civilians, MONUSCO, Teohna Williams, Chief of the Military Operations Center, Minusca(Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic) and Coordinator, Human Rights, Compliance and Accountability Project, African Union Commission, Adebayo Kareem.
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