H. E. Hon Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces on Wednesday, 28 October 2020, led senior government officials in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ulinzi Sports Complex and inauguration of the Defence Forces Wellness Centre at Lang’ata Barracks, Nairobi.
In his address, the C-in-C termed the two facilities as morale boosters to the KDF fraternity.
“The new facilities are meant to enhance KDF’s readiness to serve. The stadium and wellness centre are aligned with the Universal Health Coverage pillar of the Government’s Big 4 Agenda,” said the President.
The President praised KDF for being committed and loyal in contribution to National Development Agenda in a multi-agency setting.
“Your sense of purpose, the time, energy and focus invested in conceptualizing these projects, is evidence that the KDF is a unique institution, committed to the ideals of its mission and higher standards in public service,” said the C-in-C.
The Cabinet Secretary for Defence Amb. Dr. Monica Juma thanked the president and his government for the continuous support extended to the Ministry of Defence which has provided for welfare services to the soldiers, their families and the Kenyan public in general.
Chief of the Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi noted that the two projects will play a central role in development of sports in the KDF and across the entire sports spectrum as well as ensure holistic wellness of mental and physical health.
“The Defence Forces Wellness Centre, which is an initiative borne out of lessons learnt from our operational engagement in Somalia, will make much needed contribution to meet current challenges of mental health, trauma and varying types of disabilities,” said the CDF.
The proposed sports complex comprises of a Main Stadium, an Indoor Arena Gymnasium, Outdoor Courts for Basketball, Tennis, Volleyball, Handball, an Olympic size swimming pool and a Recreational Nature Trail.
The Sports Complex and Wellness Centre are projected to offer therapeutic amenities that build resilience among KDF’s recuperating troops and their dependants by easing the journey to recovery.
The Wellness Centre has been equipped with several facilities that will offer treatment to troops wounded at war and suffering trauma of any nature. The departments within the centre include Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Mental health, Visual, Hearing and Orthopaedic.
The occasion was graced by Senior Government Officials, Senior KDF Officers, Service Members and their families.
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