President William Ruto has urged newly graduated Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel to honour the sacrifices of servicemen and veterans by preserving the institution’s values while preparing it for the future.
Ruto reminded the recruits that they were joining an institution whose foundations had been laid by generations of servicemen whose courage and dedication shaped the country’s military.
“You inherit an institution built by servicemen and veterans whose courage laid its foundation,” Ruto said.
Speaking Thursday during the KDF pass-out parade at the Recruits Training School in Eldoret, the Head of State challenged the recruits to recognise that honouring those who came before them involved more than maintaining existing traditions and structures.
“Honor them not only by preserving what they built, but also by preparing for a world they could not have imagined,” he said.
Ruto said the recruits had a responsibility to carry forward the values that have guided the KDF while adapting to changing demands placed on the institution.
He urged them to approach their careers with discipline, curiosity and a willingness to continue learning as they take up different responsibilities within the military.
The over 5, 000 recruits are graduating after a nine-month intensive training.
The President said the government would continue investing in the welfare, training and readiness of the KDF, assuring servicemen and their families of continued support.
“The Government will keep investing in the welfare, the training, and the readiness of KDF,” Ruto said.
He said the government would also strengthen specialised capabilities within the military, including cybersecurity, intelligence, maritime security and military medicine.
Ruto told the recruits that their service would require sound judgment and a firm commitment to the Constitution as they undertake their duties.
He urged them to understand the responsibility that comes with exercising authority and to ensure their conduct remains within the law.
“Your service must now teach you to exercise judgment under pressure, to lead human beings and to know the difference between lawful authority and abuse,” he said.
The recruits will take up various roles within the KDF, with some expected to serve in the protection of Kenya’s borders, airspace and territorial waters while others pursue specialised careers in engineering, medicine and technical fields.
Ruto said the military’s ultimate responsibility was to create conditions in which Kenyans could enjoy peace, freedom and stability.
“The purpose of national defence is not merely the absence of war. It is the presence of peace, the presence of freedom, and the presence of stability,” he said.
He challenged the recruits to remain committed to the country and to future generations.
“Let the Constitution be your compass. Defend our sovereignty. Protect our people. Secure Kenya’s future,” Ruto said.
