Kenya: Kenyatta Urges New Soldiers To Be Models Worth Emulating

By Samuel Ouma President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged the new Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers to be outstanding in their service and conduct in line with the long tradition of excellence associated with the Kenyan military. “Today as you join the Kenya Defence Forces, remember that our military commands honour, respect, and admiration in the region, and, indeed, across the globe. Our servicemen and women inspire confidence, patriotism, and pride in the hearts of our people,” the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, said. Speaking when he presided over this year's KDF recruits pass-out parade at their training school in the outskirts of Eldoret town, Kenya’ the President, who was accompanied to the colourful ceremony by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, advised the soldiers to be model soldiers worth emulation, in and outside their camps. “You must always distinguish yourselves by carrying out your duties with discipline and deference to authority. You must adhere to every norm, rule, and law that governs your operations. You must be loyal to our nation, our values, and our institutions. In everything you do, whether in or out of uniform, whether on duty or off-duty, you must be above reproach and the model soldier,” he said. President Kenyatta noted that KDF had a tradition of excellence, honour, duty, and professionalism which places the Kenyan military way above its contemporaries. While congratulating the graduands for successfully completing the basic training course, the President said their admission into KDF was significant because they were joining the service when Kenya is facing external threats. “I congratulate you all for successfully completing your basic training. You are joining the ranks of our defence forces at a consequential time in our nation’s history; a time when our sovereignty and the inviolability of our borders are subject to unprecedented threats,” he said.