Kenya Defence Forces have done us proud, President Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta has praised the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) and security forces for their role in protecting the country against external aggressions.

Speaking during the commissioning parade of Office Cadets at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet, Nakuru County, President Kenyatta said defence and security forces work hard to keep Kenya safe, especially in deterring terrorist attacks and radicalisation.

President Kenyatta underlined the importance of peace and security for the country’s development agenda to succeed.

“The prosperity of a nation depends on how the crucial factors of peace, security, governance and sound economic development policies are brought to act on each other for the advancement of the society,” said the President.

He, however, called on Kenyans to remain vigilant to help protect the country saying the military alone cannot be enough to tame terrorism.

The Head of State said plans of the terrorists can be defeated by strengthening national unity among Kenyans urging the commissioned officers to abide by the tenets of the Officer’s Creed and maintain a clear sense of direction.

President Kenyatta pointed out that the training of cadets will enable them appreciate the role of “a professional defence force in achieving national goals”.

The President thanked the KDF for not only living up to its expectation, but also ensuring that Kenyans of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds worked together.

He said the values of loyalty, discipline, professionalism and integrity, if practiced across the country, will contribute to defeating terrorism, religious intolerance and extremism.

“As you go out to serve, let me remind you that your training, though rigorous, is no substitute for patience, experience and commitment,” the President added.

President Kenyatta affirmed Government commitment to modern training of security forces that is relevant to the ever evolving security environment.

He told the new cadets to serve the nation with dedication and transmit to those who come after them the true character of the Kenya Defence Forces Officer.

“And you can be sure of my Government’s support if you maintain the high standards of your predecessors,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State said the cadets commissioned today include those from Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi thus strengthening the brotherhood of the East African nations.