This month, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) launched its first barracks in the former North Eastern Province, ending an eventful year for the military, which included many firsts and increased spending to turn the force into a modern military.
One of the hallmarks of the year was President Uhuru Kenyatta’s extension of the term of Chief of Defence Forces Samson Mwathethe, an illustration of faith by the President in the General.
Throughout 2019, General Mwathethe led the military in various reforms and developments, including the establishment of the Modika barracks, launching of a slipway and modernising the KDF’s air power.
The Modika Barracks, located in Garissa town, is the home of the 6th Brigade, which includes the 17 Kenya Rifles Battalion, a relatively young infantry unit that received its presidential and regimental colours during the 2018 Jamhuri Day celebrations.
“The barracks will host three army fighting units and three support sub-units and is part of a programme to modernise and improve the capability of the KDF,” State House announced.
KDF troops fighting in Somalia will use the Modika Barracks as a temporary Forward Operating Base (FOB) during unforeseen emergencies.
During the inauguration of the barracks, President Kenyatta unveiled The Soldier’s Legacy, a new publication that chronicles the 55-year history of the Kenya Army. The book is a detailed institutional memoir of the mandate, form, activities and achievements of Kenya Army. It comes after the launch of similar books by the Kenya Air Force titled The Kenya Air Force Story 1964-2014, unveiled in 2014 during the 50th Golden Jubilee of the airmen and the seamen’s Kenya Navy: A 50 Year Voyage.
About two months before the inauguration of Modika Barracks, Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe, in a historic event, led KDF troops in uncovering the scars of war from the Somalia operation during KDF Day held on October 14.
This year’s celebrations broke ranks with previous events as the military granted Kenyans access to the heroes in the fight against terror.
In the build-up to the KDF event, the army to the amazement of East African countries participating during the 12th East African Military Games and Culture Events at Kasarani Stadium, deployed Corporal Edwin Wekoba, who lost both legs while in a tour of duty fighting against the al-Shaabab militants in Somalia, as the flagbearer of the games.
“Having a soldier on a wheelchair carry the flag was a powerful statement on KDF’s acceptance that while there are heroic moments at the battlefront, there are also scars from the war both physical and emotional that need healing. It was a reflection that there are Kenyans who are willing to give up their lives in the defence of their motherland,” Dismas Mokua, a political risk analyst, says.
Mr Mokua adds that soldiers like Corporal Wekoba are testament to the fact that there are members of the security and intelligence community willing to sacrifice life and limb to protect Kenyans.
“The leadership of KDF must be commended for appreciating the role that our troops play and for coming out to highlight the vagaries of war. Such actions serve as motivation for young Kenyans willing to join the uniformed forces,” Mr Mokua says.