The Defence Forces Canteen Organisation (DEFCO) convened a meeting with representatives from other stakeholders to streamline the distribution of their goods as well as the organizations’ wellbeing at DEFCO Headquarters, Moi Air Base.
The meeting drew participants from the National Police Service, the General Service Unit (GSU), Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the East African Breweries Limited (EABL) and Biashara Merchants Ltd.
Led by DEFCO’s Managing Director Brigadier Albert Nderih, the meeting sought to address the unprecedented proliferation of DEFCO products in the public market, especially alcohol, products that are a preserve of the disciplined forces in respective canteens and messes.
Brig Nderih emphasized the importance of every participant, from the supplier to the consumer, to play their role in ensuring that there’s no ‘leakage’ of DEFCO products into the general market and suggested a formulation of an indenting, supply and distribution policy that will ensure that the said products remain within the designated outlets.
“The subsidized DEFCO products that we get to enjoy is a privilege extended to us by the government, when abused it can be withdrawn. Therefore, it lies with us to take up the responsibility and commit ourselves to protect this privilege,” Brig Nderih said.
Brig Nderih encouraged all stakeholders to commit to agreed procedures and combined effort among the parties saying, “DEFCO is not in for profits, rather it exists as a welfare entity to facilitate the smooth and sustained supply of products to personnel and stakeholders in operation areas in order to enable them perform effectively and seamless in those harsh and demanding working conditions.”
The KRA domestic enforcement officer, Isaac Gachoha, urged a fast and efficient resolution of the proliferation of DEFCO goods in market before further deterioration.
Military Police Corps Commander, Colonel James Kirumba, assured the stakeholders that action had been taken including shutting down the non-authorized dealers and confiscating the contrabands. He also urged other security agencied to take charge and assume control of their canteens.
In attendance were KRA’s Sammy Muchemi, the Commandant ASTU Richard Ngatia; County Police Commander Garissa David Wambua, County Police Commander Wajir Hillary Toroitich, County Police Commander Mandera Johana Tonui and other representatives from DEFCO, GSU, EABL and Biashara Merchants the distributor for Heineken.
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