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MAJESHI YETU 22 TUKO IMARA ANGANI NGAO YA TAIFA

TUKO IMARA ANGANI - mod.go.ke · to the Kenya Defence Forces ... Academy and Recruits Training School. Inside the Museum ... Laikipia and Mombasa counties’

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MAJESHI YETU 22

TUKO IMARA ANGANI

NGAO YA TAIFA

MAJESHI YETU22 MAJESHI YETU 23

EVENTS

MAJESHI YETU22

Defence Cabinet Secretary Amb. Raychelle Omamo and Defence Principal Secretary Amb. Kirimi Kaberia sign

performance contract on 15th August 2016 at the Defence

Headquarters, Nairobi.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Amb. Raychelle Omamo addressing the media after Cyber Security

Conference at Safari Park, Nairobi. Looking on is the

Defence Principal Secretary Amb. Kirimi Kaberia (left)

and Ministry of Defence Senior Assistant Director of Public

Communications Mr. Bogita Ongeri.

The Anglican Archbishop of Kenya and Bishop in Ordinary

to the Kenya Defence Forces His Grace The Most Reverend

Jackson Ole Sapit presents a bible to the Chief of the Defence Forces General

Samson Mwathethe at Defence Headquaters, Nairobi.

MAJESHI YETU 23

Outgoing Commander Kenya Army Lieutenant General

Leonard Ngondi hands Army Flag to incoming Commander

Lieutenant General Robert Kibochi during handover/takeover ceremony on 3rd

August 2016.

Army Commander Handover/Takeover ceremony

S W E A R I N G I N C E R E M O N Y A T S T A T E H O U S E

Outgoing Commander Kenya Army Lieutenant General Leonard Ngondi

welcomes incoming Commander Lieutenant General Robert Kibochi

(seated) into his new office at Headquarters Kenya Army on 3rd August

2016.

His Excellency the President of Kenya Hon Uhuru Kenyatta congratulates the new Commander Kenya Army Lieutenant General Robert Kibochi .

The incoming Commander Kenya Army Lieutenant General Robert Kibochi takes Oath of Office.

MAJESHI YETU24 MAJESHI YETU 25MAJESHI YETU24

DOWN THE MEMORY LANE

DOWNMEMORY

LANE

MAJESHI YETU 25MAJESHI YETU24

DOWN THE MEMORY LANE

3KR Museum

President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta signs visitors book at 3KR Museum on 1st November 1974

The 3rd Battalion Kenya Rifles military museum is housed in the unit with the same name, the oldest infantry unit in the Kenya Defence Forces. The museum was established in 1963 by Sir Richard Godwin when 3KR was based at Lugard Barracks(Nanyuki Barracks).During the

normal unit rotation 3KR relocated with its museum to the present location Lanet Barracks, Nakuru. At that time 3KR was commanded by Lt Col Anderson and the RSM was Warrant Officer Class One Mitune.

The museum’s superb military collections document the history of the men and women of the Kenya Defence Forces. The collections include ordnance, firearms, and swords; uniforms and insignia; national and military flags and banners among other historical artefacts

Since its inception in 1963 the museum has managed to compile over 500 military related objects. These materials provide the visitors with an experience of the wars that 3KR

has been involved in and the history of the King’s African Rifles and Kenya Rifles.

The museum which aims at preserving the history of the military also educates and engages the current military personnel about the history of the Kenya Rifles. By preserving the pictures and records of the events the museum also pays tribute to our soldiers for their selfless service.

The uniforms and the insignia collection are the most captivating display in the museum. They show how the Kenya Defence Forces uniform has evolved with time, from wearing khaki drills with tall fezes and cumberbunds which were mostly reds, to the standardized uniforms worn by our soldiers today.

It being a military installation currently the museum is not open to the public.Its however frequented by military personnel especially those in training schools, Kenya Military Academy and Recruits Training School.

Inside the Museum

By Lt Keziah Kamau

Photo gallery.

Old military attires display.

Old military artifacts display.

KENYA DEFENCE FORCES

KDFDay

Defence Cabinet Secretary Amb. Raychelle Omamo, Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe, Commander Kenya Navy Major General Levi Mghalu presents a gift to former CDF General (retired) Julius Karangi.

Cabinet Secretary for Defence Ambassador Raychelle Omamo on 14th October 2016 led Kenya Defence Forces in marking the 5th KDF day at Kenya Navy Base, Mtongwe. This year’s theme was “Enhancing Selfless Service in Defence of the Nation.”

KDF Day anniversary is held in commemoration of the KDF soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in line of duty since Operation Linda Nchi that was launched on 14th October 2011.

Speaking during the occasion, the CS Amb.Raychelle Omamo stated that, “today marks exactly five years since the launch of Operation Linda nchi to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country and degrade the Al shabaab. Our soldiers are dedicated defenders of the common good. Their work reminds all of us of our shared humanity of the idea that what unites us as human beings is far more powerful than anything that can divide us. Let us learn from them”.

On his part, the Chief of the Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe began by requesting the CS to award gifts to retired Chief of General Staffs and the retired CDF in recorgnition of their contributions to the KDF during their tenure.

“As you are aware, the role of the Kenya Defence Forces is to defend and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya; assist and cooperate with other authorities in situations of emergency and disaster; and upon the approval by National Assembly, our Forces may be deployed to restore peace in any part of our country affected by unrest or instability”. He said.

The CDF also mentioned that KDF’s operation in Somalia over the last five years have proved that Kenya is capable of protecting herself and that KDF can operate effectively against any enemies of our Republic on land, air and at sea.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia Amb. Francisco Caetano Jose Madeira also graced the occasion.

The celebrations began with reveille and laying of wreaths in honour of the fallen soldiers who died in line of duty followed by a one minute silence for soldiers who have died in combat.

The KDF day, is set aside to show support to the fallen soldier’s families, to honour those injured during the operation against Al Shabaab as well as peace enforcement in Somalia, to recognize the immense contributions by the soldiers currently serving internally, African Union and UN missions in celebrating KDF achievements.

As you are aware, the role of the Kenya Defence Forces is to defend and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of

Kenya;...

Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe inspects a Guard of Honour mounted by the Kenya Navy.

Chief of the Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe addresses KDF Officers, Service

Members and their families at the 2016 KDF Day celebrations.

14th October 2016

By Spte Elizabeth Murugi

KENYA DEFENCE FORCES

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Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) hosted pupils under the Pupils Reward Scheme (PURES) on 27th October 2016 at the Defence Headquarters(DHQ) and Moi Air Base(MAB), Eastleigh.

On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, Colonel Roy Kittony (Colonel Doctrine, Defence Headquarters), welcomed the students at Headquarters Kenya Army Officers’ Mess. He encouraged them to work hard and choose their future careers wisely, including joining the military as it is one of the best career choices envied by many.

Major Felix Nduu, of DHQ made a presentation highlighting the military set up, doctrines and training, drawing enthusiasm from the students who used this platform to learn more on Kenya Defence Forces.

The students were also treated to a fifteen-minute tri-service documentary by the Public Affairs Office showing the capability of the various units within the Kenya Army, the Kenya Air Force(KAF) and the Kenya Navy besides the rigorous training that every soldier undertakes.

Ministry of Defence Senior Assistant Director of Public Communications Mr. Bogita Ongeri told the PURES students that they were privileged to have such an opportunity and informed them that they had a role to play as ambassadors of the KDF wherever they shall be having seen their capability and engagement within and outside Kenya.

The climax of the day to the pupils came when they were taken to the Kenya Air Force and were received by the Deputy Commander KAF Brigadier Francis Ogolla. It is here that they had an opportunity to enjoy a 45-minute flight experience. The excited and nervous looking students could not hide their joy as most of them acknowledged this as a lifetime opportunity.

Most of the students could not believe that this was an actual day in their life as none of them had come such close to an aircraft in addition to boarding and finally flying. The flight path saw the students enjoy the scenery around Nairobi through to Thika and the magnificent Masinga Dam and making a detour back to the Nairobi Central Business District and finally touching down at the Moi Air Base runway in Eastleigh.

This is the fourth visit of pupils under the PURES program to the Kenya Defence Forces. Through this program, a group of 39 students from Meru, Laikipia and Mombasa counties’ schools alongside their mentors got the opportunity to interact with military personnel.

“This visit was an eye opener to the young citizens and will go a long way in changing their perception on the military and offer them a chance to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing their future careers,” said PURES Director Florence Awori, who accompanied the pupils.

KENYA DEFENCE FORCES

PURESKDF

visitThe mentorship programme (PURES) was launched by His Excellency Hon Uhuru Kenyatta President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces and Her Excellency the First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta early 2015 to benefit best performing and talented students from schools across the country.

This initiative seeks to motivate pupils to work hard in their studies and instill in them a sense of discipline, direction and patriotism.

...they were taken to the Kenya Air Force and warmly received

by the Deputy Air Force Commander Brigadier Francis

Ogolla.

By Spte Robert Ouko

Deputy Commander Kenya Air Force Brigadier Francis Ogolla shares a word with the pupils at the Kenya Air Force Officers’ Mess.

Major Felix Nduu of Defence Headquarters during his presentation to the PURES pupils and officials.

Deputy Commander Kenya Air Force Brigadier Francis Ogolla (Centre) alongside other Military Officers in a group photo with PURES pupils and officials.

MAJESHI YETU30 MAJESHI YETU 31

One of the salient features witnessed during the birth of the Second Republic in 27 August 2010 was the hoisting of the Jumbo Flag by the military at the historical site-Uhuru Park. The memorable day which was marked with

vigour, pomp, and determination saw the promulgation of the new Constitution in an elaborate fete.

A flag represents an idea, or an ideal. It is primarily a method or symbol of identification. It is neither a mere piece of decoration, nor an object to be honoured for itself. It is honoured for what it represents and symbolizes. For instance the Olympic Flag symbolizes the five continents coming together in friendly challenge, with the white background representing peace.

National flags are used to represent each country during war, sporting challenges, international conferences and events, but they also give someone an opportunity to demonstrate their patriotism by flying the flag of their nation. In battle, the loss of a flag was a severe blow. The capture of the opponent’s flag might be the turning point in a battle.

To fly the national flag is a sign of pride and patriotism. It is a positive affirmation of loyalty and commitment. It marks out a country that has confidence in itself, and is comfortable with its place in the world, its history and its future. Many flags are held in high esteem for their history; for the sacrifices made by the people; for the qualities and values for which the country and people stand.

The origin of the Jumbo Flag is not well defined, but it is a big flag signifying the importance of the Nation. It is called Jumbo Flag because it is the largest National flag in the country. Jumbo means large; larger than usual. Jumbo may also mean a large African bush elephant. The size of the Jumbo Flag is 12 ft x 18 ft, almost rectangular in shape. The flag at Uhuru Park will never be lowered like the other national flag where protocol demands that it be raised at 6 am and lowered at 6pm.

The Jumbo Flag is normally put in a distinctive position or area particularly a memorable symbolic area of importance where citizens can visit regularly in remembrance of their great nation. That is why the Jumbo Fag was placed at Uhuru Park because it has a historical significance as it is related to the independence of Kenya.

The Jumbo mast has been constructed by the Kenya Defence Forces Engineers as part of their contribution to the Historic Occasion. At the base of the mast is a plaque with words: “A SYMBOL OF KENYA’S NATIONHOOD”

Conceived, Constructed and Dedicated To THE PEOPLE OF KENYA By The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on The Occasion of the Promulgation of THE NEW CONSTITUTION ON 27th AUGUST 2010 - LONG LIVE KENYA.”

The Flag is hoisted on the mast whose height is 30 metres and it will remain hoisted 24 hours and throughout the existence of the nation. Changing of the Flag will depend on its condition and other emerging factors.

The flag mast is equipped with a pulley mechanism for hoisting and lowering it. It is also fitted with flood lights that will keep it illuminated during the night. The flag will remain a permanent feature at Uhuru Park. The Kenya Defence Forces will maintain the Jumbo Flag on behalf of the People of Kenya.

THE JUMBOFLAGBy Bogita Ongeri, Senior Assistant Director of Public Communications,Ministry of Defence.

The Jumbo Flag is normally put in a

distinctive position or area particularly a memorable symbolic area of importance where citizens can visit regularly in

remembrance of their great nation. That is

why the Jumbo Flag was placed at Uhuru Park.

KENYA DEFENCE FORCES

MAJESHI YETU 31

KENYA DEFENCE FORCES

MAJESHI YETU32 MAJESHI YETU 33MAJESHI YETU 33

KENYA DEFENCE FORCES

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His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces of Republic of Kenya, Hon Uhuru Kenyatta, commissioned as officers the fourth batch of 142 cadets undertaking Bachelor of Science in Military Studies

at the Kenya Military Academy, Lanet, on Thursday, 3rd November 2016.

Addressing the newly-commissioned officers, the Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) congratulated the officers on their completion of a rigorous process that tested their bodies and mind. The C-in-C said, “You have passed the test and I trust that the skills that you have learnt and the character that this program has formed in you, will prove of enduring value to you and your country.”

The President thanked the parents and guardians of the newly-commissioned officers as their love, support and guidance has prepared them serve the country.

“To serve one’s country in the disciplined forces is no easy task. It demands guidance and preparation. That’s why, seven years ago, this institution’s cadet training was shaped: we added an undergraduate academic component to the professional and character-based training components of the course.” The President added.

The Head of State noted that the Bachelor of Science in Military Studies, undertaken in partnership with Kenyatta University, gave the officers a broad liberal education designed to produce versatile, creative and critical thinkers who can effectively adapt to a rapidly-changing world.

The C-in-C further observed that the officers, “…join our Defence Forces at a defining moment in our military history. Today, terrorists and extremists groups of unusual cruelty threaten our way of life here at home, while jeopardizing the entire global order. We have fought them in Somalia, and we will continue to meet their cowardice with our courage, knowing that the balance of both military and moral power is in our favour. We will fight until these evil groups are destroyed. make no mistake; we will win this war.”

Following the replacement of Lieutenant General Johnson Mogoa Kimani Ondieki as the Force Commander of the United Mission in South Sudan, the C-in-C ordered Kenyan troops out of South Sudan, saying Kenya will no longer contribute to a mission that has failed to meet its mandate and which has now resorted to scapegoating Kenyans.

COMMISSIONING PARADE

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF PRESIDES OVERGENERAL SERVICE OFFICER CADETS’ During the commissioning ceremony, the President

awarded the cadets who performed the best in various categories: Senior Under Officer Amon Kiprotich Bett of Kenya Army was awarded the Sword of Honour for being the Best Officer Cadet in Leadership and Command; Cadet Adjutant Erick Mugendi Mbogo of Kenya Air Force was awarded the Cane of Honour for being the Second Best Officer Cadet in Leadership and Command; Junior Under Officer Bramwel Olando Shikuku of Kenya Army won the Professional Studies Award for being the Best Officer Cadet in Professional Studies; Junior Under Officer Lucy Ngiro Esinyen of Kenya Army won the Commandant’s Shield for being the Second Best Officer Cadet in Professional Studies; Junior Under Officer Evander Ochieng Amonde of Kenya Air Force won the Commandant’s Trophy for emerging the Best Officer Cadet in Character Development; Junior Under Officer Athumani Hamisi Shunda of Tanzania People’s Defence Force won the Commandant’s Trophy for emerging the Best Allied Officer Cadet in Order of Merit; and Officer Cadet Sarah Muthoni Wamae of Kenya Air Force who won the Academic Studies Award for being the Best Officer Cadet in Academic Studies.

Among the commissioning officer cadets, some came from countries with which Kenya has close relations: Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi. The President congratulated them and said that he was confident that they will return to serve their respective countries and that the friendships that they have formed at KMA will go a long way in uniting the region more.

The commissioning ceremony also witnessed six KDF officers of the rank of lieutenants, who trained and commissioned in foreign countries, take their Oath of Allegiance. Four of the six trained in Tanzania, with the remaining two in Sandhurst in the United Kingdom and Nepal respectively.

Kenya Military Academy is one of Kenya Defence Forces’ Centres of Excellence that offers training to military officers; General Service Officers, Specialist Officers and Special Duty Officers. The academy prepares cadets from the Eastern Africa Region for leadership and command by providing foundational officer training, professionalism and character development to attain military excellence.

Present during the occasion were Defence Cabinet Secretary Amb Raychelle Omamo, the Chief of the Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe, Defence Principal Secretary Amb Kirimi Kaberia, the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Joseph Kasaon, Service Commanders, among other Senior Officers, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and families of the newly-commissioned officers.

By Spte Victor Mutinda

“You have passed the test and I trust that the skills that you have learnt and the character that this program has formed in you, will prove of enduring value to you

and your country.”

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MILITARY WORLD

STARSin the

KENYA DEFENCE FORCES

The roles of women in the military have gradually developed to allow the incorporation of women in expanding military career fields. Women have themselves proven to be an asset to the military. In a large number of cultures and

nations, women have played many roles in the military; from ancient warrior women serving in conflicts etc.From the beginning of 1970 most western armies had begun to admit women into their ranks.

KDF’s Women Service Corps had been set up in 1972 to provide support services for the women who were in the three services, the Kenya Army, the Kenya Air Force and the Kenya Navy. Headed by various women like Lt Col Njombo and RSM Esther Mwangi; it was the Military’s administrative tool and had only women.

Women Corps Service was started because the men would be free to go and fight at the front and women would remain at the rear to man the establishment. So once the women joined they would be trained in various areas of specializations e.g. Clerks, secretaries, nurses, drivers and other diverse professions so that they were able to provide effective service to the units only at the rear.

Women in the Service Corps did upgrading courses and became class one/two tradeswomen and quite a number were promoted to corporals.

In 1973 the corps for the first time participated in a display of movement to music at Mombasa ASK Show. During this period they stayed at Nyali Barracks.

In history of East Africa a woman officer completed and passed the basic parachute course held in Gilgil from 1st- 26th October in 1973.All members of armed forces joined together to congratulate Lt. Stella Kimani on her proud achievement of gaining her wings.

On 24th October, 1973 the corps recruited another group of service women at Recruiting College Lanet. Other 500 girls turned up which set a difficult task for recruiting team to select the right number with the right medical and educational qualifications.

Captain P. Ikua after successfully passing the Lieutenant to Captain Promotion examination in November was appointed the Officer Commanding the Women Service Corps on 2nd January 1974.

Members were accomodated at Moi Air Base (MAB) women corps camp. They could go and work in different camps as support services and in the evening return to MAB. Members of the Women Corps were not allowed to get married or have children.

Members used to train separately from the male soldiers . In the first three months women trained at Moi Air Base and later joined the male recruits at Recruits Training School for the last three months and pass out together.The rules on discipline were very strict; women were only allowed to put on skirts as uniforms, no plaiting of hair or make ups. When one was noticed to be putting on weight they were taken to Medical Reception Station and carried out pregnancy test and when found to be pregnant they were discharged. Many women resigned during this period due to strict rules and regulations.

Women were not allowed to go to operations or go for missions but participated in other military activities just as male comrades e.g. parade, ASK shows displays, guard duties etc .In December 2000 the WSC was disbanded and they were transferred/ deployed to other services. This gave them opportunity to participate in the first peacekeeping mission KENBATT 5 in 2005 which was at Sierra Leone and worked as clerks, storekeepers, cooks and pay clerks, they were also given a chance to get married and have families.

Currently, women continue to hold more and more powerful military positions. In their daily routines they prove Eunice Kennedy Shriver saying true “You are the stars and the world is watching you. By your presence, you send message to every village, every city, and every nation. A message of hope. A message of victory”.

MAJESHI YETU34

By Spte Sarah Mwende Women in the Service Corps did upgrading

courses and became class one/two tradeswomen

and quite a number were promoted to corporals.

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The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Jordanian military joined together for the ‘Exercise Swift Eagle’ held at

Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Embakasi Garrison, Nairobi, on Tuesday 20th September 2016. Defence Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Raychelle Omamo presided over the opening ceremony.

The ten-day bilateral exercise between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Royal Jordanian Armed Forces (RJAF) was intended to enhance the operation capability in responding swiftly to emerging threats in both conventional and asymmetrical warfare.

The two elite units from KDF – Special Forces and Ranger Regiment were joined by the Quick Reaction Force from the Jordanian military in displaying tactics to deal with conventional and asymmetric war threats. They trained on how to attack the enemy, secure the area and also ways of rescuing hostages and taking them to a safe area. The main aim of joint military exercise was to improve

operational readiness in addressing the emerging threats from terror groups .

During the opening ceremony Amb Raychelle Omamo said that such an exercise will not only facilitate sharing of knowledge, skills and ideas but will also solidify comradeship of the two countries. “This relationship will be strengthened by engagements such as this exercise. I trust that Exercise Swift Eagle will be mutually beneficial to our respective forces and will deepen the excellent bilateral relations between our two countries”, she said.

The Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe noted that this was the first exercise of the kind between the Republic of Kenya and the Kingdom of Jordan which is expected to enhance cooperation between the forces of the two countries.

The ten-day exercise between the two forces culminated in a colorful closing ceremony attended by Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta and His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein of the

& By Spte Elizabeth Murugi.

Kenya Defence Forces Royal JordanianArmed Forcestrain together to

Fight Terrorism

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

President Uhuru, while addressing the exercise participants, noted that, “our own effort as Kenyans is to support the ideas discussed during the exercise. We know that terrorist is not driven by religious idealism but rather by their lust for power and hatred for those who prefer pluralism and democracy. Threat respect no boundaries but shared threats calls upon on shared responses and that is why Jordan and Kenya stand together now ready to defend the principles that we hold dearly. Equally both Kenya and Jordan play host of hundreds of thousands of refugees, proof of our hospitality of our people.”

On his part, King Abdullah while congratulating soldiers who

“...such an exercise will not only facilitate sharing of knowledge,

skills and ideas but will also solidify

comradeship of the two countries.”

KENYA DEFENCE FORCES

participated in the exercise expressed his gratitude to the joint collaboration, “I am delighted to see the young Jordanian youth and Kenyan brothers and sisters training with the objective of fighting a common enemy that Kenya and Jordan are facing. There are so many similarities between the two countries not only that we both host amongst the refugee challenges of most countries in the world but we do also have threats on our borders, these similarities bring us together,” he said.

Throughout the two-week training exercise, the aim was to improve the capabilities of the KDF and the Royal Jordanian Armed Forces to combat emerging complex security challenges. The Jordanian Special Force and the Kenyan soldiers shared intelligence and skills for fighting attacks on Counter Terrorism, Storming Aircrafts and VIP protection among others. The exercise also developed tactics in reducing terror attacks in the country.

ABOVE;A demonstration of hostages rescued from an airplane escorted to a safe area by Kenya’s Special Forces soldiers.

BELOW;His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta, His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, Defence Cabinet Secretary Amb. Raychelle

Omamo, Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe and Senior Military Officers salute the National Anthem.

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KENYA DEFENCE FORCESKDF CONVEYS AID TO TANZANIA’S EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS

CONVEYS AID TO

President Kenyatta called Tanzania’s President John Magufuli and wished those who had been injured a quick recovery, and prayed for solace for

those who had lost their loved ones.

The Kenya Defence Forces on Monday 19th September 2016 assisted in the transportation of a donation of 4,000 iron sheets, 400 blankets and 100 mattresses to Tanzania, following a destructive earthquake in Bukoba, north of the country.

Kagera Regional Commissioner Major General (Rtd) Salim Kijuu received the donations from Kenyan Ambassador to Tanzania Chirau Ali Mwakwere.

Speaking during the event Ambassador Mwakwere mentioned the importance of continuous cooperation between Kenya and Tanzania, and noted that the donations showed Kenya’s commitment towards maintaining good international relations.

Kenya’s Defence Attaché in Tanzania Colonel Cyrus Oguna was instrumental in the transportation of the donation from the Government of Kenya, particularly during crossing of the Kenya-Tanzania border. Convoy Commander Major Ben Chemjor from the Transport Batallion ‘C’ Company was the officer-in-charge of the journey.

The items were transported by road to Bukoba, Tanzania, from Kahawa Garrison in Nairobi. The donations were announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta moments after the earthquake. President Kenyatta called Tanzania’s President John Magufuli and wished those who had been injured a quick recovery, and prayed for solace for those who had lost their loved ones. Thirteen people lost their lives on that day.

Also present was Tanzania’s Minister for Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled Ms. Jenista Mhagama who helped foreseeing and receiving of the relief donations. The minister accepted and thanked the Kenyan state for the donations.

Kenya’s Ambassador to Tanzania Chirau Ali Mwakwere issues blankets donations to Tanzania’s Minister Jenista Mhagama in Bukoba, Tanzania.

Tanzania’s Minister Jenista Mhagama receives mattress donations from

Ambassador Chirau Ali Mwakwere in Bukoba,

Tanzania.

Kenya Defence Forces soldiers assists in

offloading the donations in Bukoba, Tanzania.

KDFTANZANIA’SEARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS

By Spte John Oluoch