Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla today Thursday, 28th March 2024 officially opened the newly constructed Defence Forces Canteen Organisation (DEFCO) branch at the Kenya Air Force Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kisumu.
During his address, the CDF expressed his honour in being part of the occasion, describing it as a welcome event for DEFCO and a forerunner to further expansion of the organisation within the Nyanza and Western regions.
“DEFCO is a key contributor to national development, achieved by the creation of opportunities through employment and partnerships and I believe the existence of this store will open doors to local services eventually benefiting the community”, he mentioned.
The CDF further commended the DEFCO leadership for its commitment to ensuring speedy opening of the store, highlighting this as one of the indicators of sustained growth. He urged DEFCO staff to maintain the zealous attitude they held, to ensure the organisation remain competitive within the national realm.
“Today’s celebration is no mean feat. It is the upshot of the passionate and diligent efforts of the DEFCO management and staff, and their dedication to ensure the successful completion and serviceability of this outlet. I wish to commend the Managing Director Brigadier Peter Limo for his leadership and urge him and his team to sustain DEFCO’s exponential growth and steer it to greater heights. To echo the words of Thomas Watson Senior, “To be successful, you ought to have your heart in your business and your business in your heart””, he added.
Commander Kenya Air Force Major General John Omenda noted the event as a crucial step for the operationalisation of the FOB, which was established in December 2021.
“I am glad for the steps the DEFCO has continued to achieve, which has continued to be witnessed across all KDF institutions and organisations, a boost to the output and efficiency of our personnel”, he added.
In his address, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces Personnel & Logistics (ACDF P&L) and Chairman Defco Board of Management Major General David Keter applauded the occasion, acknowledging DEFCO as a critical player in the sustenance of the morale of KDF’s personnel through supply of affordable products.
In his remarks, DEFCO Managing Director (MD) Brigadier Peter Limo praised the momentous occasion, noting that DEFCO had witnessed massive growth over the years, mentioning that the Kisumu store is a strategic addition to the organisation’s portfolio.
“Through a wide range of products DEFCO continues to meet the growing and unique needs to ensure our customers have a one-stop shop experience. This store will enhance the welfare of our troops, their families, veterans and other security personnel within the region, as envisaged in our motto, “Serving those who serve””, he said.
DEFCO supermarket Kisumu branch is now DEFCO’s 38th branch, with its opening event being part of DEFCO’s continued expansion and modernization program, and is a precursor to DEFCO’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations, where the institution is set to mark 50 years since its establishment.
Also in attendance were Commander Kenya Navy Major General Thomas Ng’ang’a, Deputy Commander Kenya Army, Major General Mohamed Hassan, Director General Defence National Security Industries (DNSI), Major General Bernard Waliaula, Kenya Shipyards Limited Managing Director, Major General Paul Otieno, General Officers, Senior Officers, Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK), Kenya Defence Forces Sergeant Major, WOI Elijah Koranga, DEFCO officials, Service personnel and KDF veterans.
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