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CDF Kibochi implores soldiers to be vigilant during festive seasons
The Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Robert Kibochi has implored the soldiers to be vigilant during the festive season.
The CDF reminded the soldiers that threats to National Security have increased and therefore it is their duty to diversify their role in protecting the country.
“The locust invasion, floods, fire outbreaks, drug abuse are among many others that is increasing threats to National Security,” the CDF said while visiting the Kenyatta Barracks in Gilgil town.
While addressing the soldiers, CDF applauded them for defending the territorial integrity of Kenya and for supporting the Civil Authority.
He noted that KDF had successfully taken part in various National Development projects and will continue to assist in building the country.
He then urged the soldiers to continue training so that they are mission ready for deployment.
CDF also conveyed festive season’s greetings from the His Excellency Honorable Uhuru Kenyatta President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief the Defence Forces to the soldiers and congratulated them for a job well done in 2020.
The Army Commander Lieutenant General Koipaton Raria while welcoming the CDF to address the soldiers, thanked him for the visit.
“We consider your visit to this barracks as a symbolic visit to the whole of Kenya Army. These soldiers here today represent all Kenya Army service personnel everywhere in the country, in operation areas and even those in Somalia,” he said.
The Army Commander also commended KDF service personnel for soldiering on with work despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The General Officer Commanding Eastern Command, Major General Kivunzi welcomed the CDF to the barracks and noted that they were glad to host him.
During his visit, the CDF conducted a ground breaking ceremony to launch the construction of a 1,000 seating capacity warrant officers’ and sergeants’ mess with a 256 service member single line accommodation, inspected renovation works at the Gilgil Garrison Primary and Secondary schools, visited some units and addressed service personnel at the barracks.
Renovation works at the schools in Gilgil are part of the CDF’s initiative to facelift all Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) sponsored public schools by end of the year to provide a conducive environment for students and teachers when learning resumes in January 2021 while the construction of the mess is meant to provide adequate housing facilities for the soldiers at the barracks.
Others present during the visit were: Commandant Kenya Military Academy Major General Njiru, Chief of Logistics Defence Headquaters Brigadier Kiugu, Chief of Logistics Headquarter Kenya Army Brigadier Keter among other senior officers, officers and service members.
