15 Days Of Delivery As KDF Launches A Series Of Projects For Kenya

The Kenya Defence Forces has launched a series of projects that are aimed and tailored towards bettering the lives of Kenyans and boost the economy of the country. The projects are being launched in a span of 15 days in what stakeholders have described as “an awakening shift.”

“Much is demanded of the defense forces and other security agencies in maintaining a secure environment for the development of our Republic,” these are the words of Kenya Defence Forces that have been on the forefront of securing the nation.

The Ministry of Defence says the projects will contribute to the National Development Agenda. The projects are undertakings by the Kenya Defence Forces alone, or in cooperation with other Ministries Departments and Agencies.

On 21^st May, President Uhuru Kenyatta presided over the launch of Kenya Defence Forces’ Operational Vehicles and Engineer Equipment at the Thika Barracks. The project is aimed at enhancing the state of troop readiness and agility through the provision of mobility to troops in and out of operational theatres.

“MOD is keen on local value addition and supports the Buy-Kenya-Build-Kenya initiative in order to enhance local manufacturing capacity and spur industrialization for self-reliance,” said Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Monica Juma.

On Monday, 24^th May 2021, the President presided over the full production at the Kenya Meat Commission. The ministerial responsibility for the KMC was transferred to the MOD on 07 September 2020.

“All officers deployed for this task applied themselves around the clock, drawing on best practices in the industry beyond our borders, responding to the needs of the stakeholders including paying outstanding debts and effecting proactive components of income generation with the end in mind- Kenyans and livestock farmers,” said the CS.

On 27^th May (this Thursday) President Uhuru Kenyatta will award a Charter for the National Defence University. According to CS Defence, without a well-grounded human resource at the strategic policy level, any Government would not effectively pursue its desired development path.

By the envisaged charter, the National Defence College which has been training select multi-agency strategic leaders is set for an upgrade to university status.  This will offer the unique opportunity to upgrade and support the pedagogical rigors of strategic education.

There will also be the launch of the 217-kilometer Nakuru-Kisumu railway. The full functioning of this railroad will provide seamless transportation from the Mombasa port to Kisumu.  If the example of the Thika-Nanyuki is anything to go by, both the railway and shipyard are set to spur economic activity through the facilitation of the movement of people, goods, and services across Kenya and around the Lake Victoria region into Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC via Lake Victoria.

To spur the manufacturing pillar, the newest State Corporation under the Ministry of Defence; the Kenya Shipyards Limited is scheduled to be launched on 31 May 2021.

The Kisumu Shipyard will be launched during the celebrations in Kisumu and is meant to augment the meter gauge rail transport system.

Following the rehabilitation of the Nakuru-Kisumu, the movement of goods and passengers beyond the port of Kisumu is best supported by water transport. It is relatively cost-effective to reach Mfangano Island and Mbita point via Lake Victoria.

“The construction, rehabilitation, and expansion of this important lake transport facility have restored Kisumu port into a modern regional lake transport hub with an improved capability to handle large volumes of cargo from Kenya into the East African economic hub,” said the CS.

Regional East African Cooperation commerce is set for renewal by movement of ferries and other marine vessels plying Kisumu(Kenya)-Jinja(Uganda)-Musoma (Tanzania) ports. The Kenya Shipyards Limited is mandated to catalyze shipbuilding and unlock the blue economy in Lake Victoria and Western Kenya.

Each of these projects has been executed ahead of its estimated completion time, amidst a number of ongoing emergencies and challenges that are confronting our nation.

“Since last year, our nation has been confronted with the COVID 19 pandemic and its consequences that have disrupted our growth trajectory, floods, locusts, and other unforeseen circumstances.  In spite of this, our officers, anchored on firm traditions that have taken root in this most distinguished institution, kept the work going,” she said.

“These fifteen days of delivery by MOD are a badge of honor for me, as the Cabinet Secretary responsible for a most significant and solemn mandate: the defense and protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation.  It is a badge I share this with my entire team of distinguished, patriotic men and women of valor who are because Kenya is.  I, therefore, thank all the personnel at the MOD, both uniformed and civilian for their exemplary service within and outside our borders.  Your commitment and patriotic service to and for Kenyans, and humanity, continue to make a significant positive impact and to inspire us all.”