Uhuru commissions 320 officer cadets in Lanet

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday November 26 presided over the commissioning parade for 320 officer cadets at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet, Nakuru County.

The cadets are the ninth group of cadets trained under a modified military undergraduate programme at the Kenyatta University.

The cadets are trained under Bachelor of Science in Military and Security Studies programme offered by the institution in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence.

They will graduate in December 2021 at the university.

President Uhuru Kenyatta was accompanied by Energy Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma and Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi.

During the event, the cadets who include general service, specialists and special duty officers from the army, the navy and the air force, were commissioned after undergoing a 37-month intensive training.

During the event, various officers were awarded for their exemplary performance in various disciplines.

The best officer cadet in leadership and command award went to senior under officer Peter Mwendwa from the Kenya Army.

Cadet adjutant of the Kenya Airforce Jemimah Wawira was the winner of the academic studies award.

The best allied officer cadet in order of merit and winner of the commandant trophy went to junior under officer Athman Said.

Other junior under officers who bagged awards were Emmanuel Bayaya who bagged the award of best cadet in character development, Kevin Mbuthia who was the best officer overall specialist cadet and winner of commandant award, Hamisi Lubambo and Sammy Njoka.

President Kenyatta, congratulated the graduates, exuding optimism that the skills they have acquired will sharpen their abilities which are instrumental in protecting the people of Kenya and their property from external aggression and to ensure internal peace.

"Today you join the ranks of brave men and women who have answered the call of their motherland by choosing to serve, protect and defend our nation. l have no doubt that the commissioned cadets have acquired first-class training and will serve diligently to protect our nation,” said President Kenyatta.

The president expressed hope that friendships established across the borders would help in strengthening the unity in the region.

During the commissioning parade, President Kenyatta reiterated that constant and deliberate efforts have been made in recent years to modernise the training of Kenyan security forces and keep it relevant to the evolving security environment.

The president also thanked the KDF leadership and families of the cadets for their commitment that saw the officers successfully complete their training.

"I want to thank the families and friends of the commissioning officers. I thank you for your prayers and understanding which has kept these fine men and women up to this momentous day," added the president.

Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui also attended the pass out parade.