More female soldiers graduate from Kenya Defence Forces

President Uhuru Kenyatta has praised the competence of female soldiers.

President Kenyatta also noted the composition of female recruits in the class of 2016. He applauded the fact that the best recruit all round was a female soldier – Irene Kaleka of Kenya Army (KA).

"The number of female recruits is a manifestation of our nation's commitment to offering equal opportunities to all sections of our population," said the Head of State.

The President also praised the high standards of the Kenyan military that has commanded global respect through continuous participation in peace-keeping missions.

The President said Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel have made immense contributions to peace-keeping missions and the fight against terror that has won respect from the United Nations (UN) and the Security Council.

"As the Commander in Chief, I take pride in the high standards that have been the honour of our defence forces. They have played a major role in UN peace missions across Africa, Europe and Asia. Continued participation of our military personnel in these missions reflects the confidence that the UN and in particular the Security Council has in our forces," he said.

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The President said the professionalism, confidence, patriotism and the success of KDF was a true testimony to the high standards of training offered to the gallant soldiers who have won global admiration. He said the country should be proud of the confidence bestowed on Kenyan forces.

Maintain integrity

He reiterated the Government's commitment to continued investment in national security agencies, saying training of the military forces is part of the investment to guard territorial integrity.
The President pointed out that the protection of property and lives of the citizenry will contribute towards sustainable development of the country because of the peaceful environment.

The President was speaking yesterday at the Recruit Training School in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu during a passing-out parade of soldiers, who have been on a seven-month military training programme.

He commended the recruits, saying they would be joining distinguished soldiers in service to the nation in the military profession that commands hallmark respect, honour and aspiration across the globe.

"You have been selected to take the solemn oath of protecting the nation. Never betray the trust that fellow citizens have in you. You individually and collectively must be beyond reproach," he told the recruits.

He asked the soldiers to execute their responsibilities and maintain the integrity of KDF by maintaining discipline, reference to authority and the law and to be loyal to both to their superiors and peers.

The President was accompanied by Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo, Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Alex Tolgos among others.