This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
Uhuru: Kenya’s Military Training Serves Regional Security Needs ¶
President Uhuru Kenyatta has emphasized that Kenya's military training programs are tailored to serve both national and regional security needs.
Speaking at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet, Nakuru County, on November 28, 2019, the President noted that some of the most challenging crimes affecting nations are cross-border in nature and perpetrators shift bases whenever they come under pressure in one country.
The Head of State commissioned new cadet officers who have completed a rigorous three-year training program that involves academic, character development, and field training.
President Kenyatta said the training standards at the Kenya Military Academy are recognized regionally and globally, with the academy training cadet officers from several African countries.
“The spirit of joint training reflects the true spirit of regional security partnership as enshrined in the East Africa Community Treaty,” the President said.
He added that the regional dimension of the training by the academy is informed by the fact that threats to security posed by terrorist groups and related international crimes know no borders.
“Whenever these groups are pursued, they quickly shift their operations either within the boundaries of nations or beyond,” said the President.
President Kenyatta reiterated that a country’s prosperity depends on how well it balances the crucial factors of peace, security, governance, and sound economic policies and development programs.
He encouraged military officers to observe personal courage as they protect the country despite adversities they might face.
“Courage calls for self-confidence, moral ascendency, self-sacrifice, honesty, fairness, initiative, decisiveness, and dignity,” the President said.
The newly commissioned officers have graduated under the revamped Bachelor of Science in Military and Security Studies program, a unique undergraduate degree offered by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with Kenyatta University.
