Lerata, Samburu County| Kenya’s Defence Secretary, Soipan Tuya, has underscored the crucial role of training in maintaining military excellence and operational readiness.
She reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in their mission to defend national sovereignty and contribute to regional and international peacekeeping efforts.
Over the past two days, Tuya has been actively assessing the ongoing training programs for KDF personnel, including pre-deployment exercises for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the rigorous preparation of Officer Cadets.
Regional Cooperation in Officer Cadet Training
On Tuesday, Tuya visited Lerata Battle Camp, where she observed Officer Cadets executing their final orders ahead of their Exercise Grand Finale—a critical phase in their military training.
The cadets, drawn from Kenya and allied nations such as Mozambique, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, and Malawi, demonstrated high levels of coordination and discipline.
This multinational participation underscores Kenya’s strong commitment to fostering regional military cooperation, leadership development, and interoperability among allied forces.
“The presence of cadets from multiple nations in this training highlights our dedication to strengthening military partnerships and enhancing leadership skills necessary for modern security challenges,” Tuya stated.
Firepower Demonstration Showcases KDF’s Readiness
On Wednesday, Tuya visited Larisoro in Samburu County, where she witnessed an elaborate firepower demonstration involving both AUSSOM pre-deployment troops and Officer Cadets.
The live-firing exercise showcased KDF’s exceptional joint and combined warfare capabilities, reinforcing its readiness to undertake combat and peace support missions.
“The effectiveness and precision displayed in today’s firepower demonstration reaffirm our troops’ preparedness to safeguard national security and contribute to peacekeeping operations beyond our borders,” Tuya remarked.
She emphasized that such high-intensity training is a critical step in ensuring that KDF personnel are well-prepared for operational deployment, particularly in conflict-prone areas such as Somalia, where Kenyan troops continue to play a key role in stabilizing the region under AUSSOM.
Senior Military Officials Present
Tuya was accompanied by Commander Kenya Army, Lt Gen David Tarus, alongside other senior military officials, including:
- Major General Fredrick Leuria – Assistant Chief of Defence Forces Operations, Doctrine, and Training
- Major General Abdulkadir Burje – Director Military Intelligence
- Brigadier Joel Arimi – Commander Armoured Brigade
- Brigadier Peter Kimondiu – Chief Instructor, Kenya Military Academy (KMA)
- Brigadier Benedict Mzee – Chief of Training, Headquarters Kenya Army
The presence of these high-ranking officials highlighted the significance of the training exercises and the military’s collective commitment to excellence, discipline, and operational efficiency.
Government’s Commitment to Military Readiness
Reaffirming the government’s dedication to supporting the KDF, Tuya praised the troops for their professionalism, discipline, and commitment to national and regional security.
She emphasized that training remains the backbone of military preparedness and that the government will continue to invest in modern training facilities, advanced equipment, and strategic partnerships to enhance KDF’s capabilities.
As Kenya remains an integral player in regional security and peace support missions, the Defence Secretary’s visit and assessment of ongoing military training reaffirm the country’s determination to uphold its security responsibilities both at home and across the continent.
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