Uhuru says training of EAC soldiers boost to security

President Uhuru Kenyatta during the commissioning of cadets at Kenya Military Academy in Lanet, Nakuru. [PSCU]

President Uhuru Kenyatta has underscored the need for advanced training for soldiers to strengthen their capacity to deal with emerging security threats.

Speaking yesterday at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet, Nakuru during the commissioning of cadets, the Head of State lauded the commandant for strengthening diplomatic ties between Kenya and the East African countries through joint training.

Cadets drawn from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda have been training at the facility for the past three years.

“It is gratifying that KMA trains cadets from our neighbours within the Eastern Africa region. I have no doubt that the commissioned cadets from Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda will go back to their respective countries having acquired first-class training,” he said.

The president, who was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, said the joint training offers a platform for defence forces of the respective countries to protect the region from emerging threats.

“I am confident that the friendships established will strengthen our national ties and our collective response to the security challenges we face as a region. It gives me great pride to witness your addition to the ranks of our defence forces,” he said.

The newly commissioned officers have been receiving training at the academy for the past 37 months in conjunction with Kenyatta University where they each graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Military Science.

“I commend the KMA commandant and the trainers for their hard work. Training has been aligned with emerging threats of the 21st century. We look forward to the future as our defence forces respond to challenges from conventional and asymmetrical spheres,” he said.

Families of the officers did not attend the event that was conducted in adherence to Covid-19 protocols.