His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), presided over the Commissioning Parade for General Service Officer Cadets Intake 12/25 and Graduate Officer Cadets Intake 42/25 at the Kenya Military Academy (KMA) in Lanet, Nakuru on Wednesday, 16 April 2025.
The officers have undergone comprehensive training, focusing on both intellectual and character development to prepare them for leadership roles within the military.
In his remarks, the Commander-in-Chief congratulated the newly commissioned officers for their perseverance throughout the training period and urged them to uphold the oath of allegiance they had taken.
“These graduating officers are not just soldiers; they are scholars, strategists, and patriots. I am confident that they have been thoroughly prepared, morally grounded, and expertly equipped to shoulder the sacred responsibility of defending our people, sovereignty, and territorial integrity with courage, clarity, and commitment,” he stated.
President Ruto also commended the KDF for adopting cutting-edge technologies and fostering agile leaders capable of addressing today’s complex security challenges. He highlighted the role of the KDF not only in safeguarding Kenya’s peace and stability but also in contributing to regional and continental security.
The President further called on Kenyans to avoid careless discussions about military affairs, stressing the importance of allowing the military to carry out its duties without interference.
“I urge all Kenyans—leaders, politicians, and journalists—to respect the military’s role as the foundation of our stability and development. Let’s refrain from random talk about military matters. As Commander-in-Chief, I will defend our military by all means, as they safeguard our peace and growth,” he said.
During the colourful ceremony, KMA Commandant Brigadier Peter Kimondio assisted the Commander-in-Chief in presenting awards to cadets who excelled in various fields during their training. Senior Under Officer (SUO) Ian Miencha Joel was named the best officer cadet in leadership and command, while SUO Hosea Kiplagat Kipkeu was the best overall cadet in the Graduate Intake 42/25. Both received a Sword of Honour from the President. The best Allied Officer Cadet in Order of Merit was Junior Under Officer (JUO) Pascal Erio Jeredi from the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF). Allied cadets from Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda also trained alongside the KDF.
The newly commissioned General Service Officers (GSO) are the first cohort to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Defence and Strategic Security Studies. This unique undergraduate degree, offered by the National Defence University-Kenya, is designed to develop junior military leaders not only for the KDF but also for allied nations.
In addition to the Cadet commissioning, President Ruto also inaugurated the Level IV Lanet Regional Hospital, and the Ulinzi Prime Health Services Fund. The Healthcare initiatives are aimed at enhancing medical services provision to the KDF personnel and their dependants, which will now be extended to civilian defence community ( persons / entities that support the KDF in it’s mandate including the communities around the cantonments). The civilians will access the military referral hospitals through Government and Private insurances, and schemes including the Social Health Authority Funds. Operationalization of LRH will reduce referrals to the Defence Forces Memorial; whereas the Fund will generate money for the hospitals’ self sustenance.
Those present at the ceremony included Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri, Defence Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru, Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF) Lieutenant General John Omenda, Service Commanders, senior government officials, General Officers, senior officers, other military personnel, and their families.
Add Comment