CDF LEADS KAHAWA GARRISON IN COVID-19 VACCINATION DRIVE

Chief of the Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi on Thursday, 11 March 2021 officially launched the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Covid -19 vaccination exercise at Kahawa Garrison, Nairobi.

In his address, General Kibochi said that adhering to the ministry of Health laid down Covid-19 protocols has enabled KDF to fight the global pandemic within and outside KDF and the vaccine has come in handy to boost this effort.

“Even as we get to receive the vaccine, it should not be lost on all of us that the ultimate tool at our disposal remains prevention, as epitomized in hand washing/sanitizing, use of masks and social distancing. These must continue to be our daily routine; and I call on all commanders to continue to enforce these protocols to the letter and each and every one, including our families to take personal responsibility in adhering to the protocols,” said the CDF.

General Kibochi said that KDF is currently undertaking the vaccination exercise concurrently with teams in Mtongwe, Gilgil, Nanyuki and other areas within the country and further, troops in Somalia are in consideration.

“As we say prevention is better than cure. I can assure the entire KDF that I have taken that vaccine and there is no effect. Even the kind of pain you could expect when getting vaccinated is not there. I have had a chance of having my cup of tea. So it is important that we all have a chance of taking the vaccine,” said the CDF.

He urged all KDF personnel to turn up for the exercise as it will go a long way in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus.

“My message to Kenyans is let’s go ahead and take this preventive medicine. It is not always that you get an opportunity to have free vaccination. The government has taken upon itself to bring the vaccines to as many Kenyans as possible. So it is important that we take advantage of this vaccine because we do not know exactly how the Covid-19 is going to mutate moving forward. We have a chance of protecting ourselves from having serious effects of the Covid-19,” urged the CDF.

Director of Medical Services (DMS) Major General George Ng’ang’a thanked the KDF personnel for their efforts in the fight against pandemic.

“I urge you all to continue following and adhering to the containment measures put in place by the government that have so far yielded results as we continue with our call of duty,” said Maj Gen Ng’ang’a.

Among those vaccinated were the Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt General Levi Mghalu, Commander Kenya Army, Lt General Walter Koipaton, General Officer Commanding Eastern Command (GOC EastCom) Major General Ayub Matiiri, Senior Officers, Officers and Service Members.

CDF STATEMENT HERE