KENYA: Government Will Support Military At All Costs, Says President Ruto

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya

Kenyan President, William Ruto, has emphasized the need for collective effort in ensuring the security and stability of Kenya. During the Cadet Commissioning Parade at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet, Nakuru County, on April 16, 2025, he stated that no level of military power could independently guarantee a nation’s security. He asserted, “True safety is a shared responsibility, and every citizen plays a crucial role.”

The President urged the public, political leaders, and the media to approach military discussions with care. He firmly declared that the government is committed to protecting the military “by all means possible” from criticism, highlighting their essential role in maintaining Kenya’s stability and growth.

Ruto noted ongoing modernization efforts within the Kenya Defence Forces, specifically in adapting their training to respond to evolving security challenges, including unconventional threats and digital warfare. “We must transform our forces, refine our training methods, and innovate our strategies,” he explained.

The President pointed out that the military is revamping its training approaches, incorporating advanced technologies, and developing capable leaders to meet today’s complex security requirements.

These initiatives aim to ensure that the military stays proactive in safeguarding national stability.

“Through these measures, the Kenya Defence Forces will continue to be a pillar of peace and stability not only in our country but also across the region and continent,” he added.

The graduating class included the first cohort to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Defence and Security Studies from the National Defence University-Kenya, which Ruto regarded as a significant milestone in aligning military training with contemporary academic standards and strategic objectives.

He observed that these advancements have contributed to national stability, fostering an environment conducive to investment and enhancing both domestic and international confidence in Kenya.

“The prosperity of our nation is built on solid foundations of peace, effective governance, and inclusive development. Our defense forces play a vital part in this equation,” he stated.

Furthermore, Ruto recognized that some of the newly commissioned officer cadets hailed from various African nations, including Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda. He described this as indicative of both the Kenya Military Academy’s high standards and the increasing regional collaboration.

Earlier in the day, the President inaugurated Lanet Regional Hospital, a facility equipped with 150 beds that will offer various specialized medical services, including intensive care and advanced surgical procedures, staffed by both military and civilian medical personnel. He also launched the Ulinzi Prime Health Services Fund, which aims to provide civilians access to high-quality medical care at military health facilities.

The fund, established under the Ministry of Defence, received Cabinet and National Assembly approval in late 2023. It will facilitate access to military referral hospitals for defense community members through various insurance schemes.

“These services will allow individuals to receive specialized care that meets their needs,” Ruto concluded.Ruto noted ongoing modernization efforts within the Kenya Defence Forces, specifically in adapting their training to respond to evolving security challenges, including unconventional threats and digital warfare. “We must transform our forces, refine our training methods, and innovate our strategies,” he explained.

The President pointed out that the military is revamping its training approaches, incorporating advanced technologies, and developing capable leaders to meet today’s complex security requirements. These initiatives aim to ensure that the military stays proactive in safeguarding national stability. “Through these measures, the Kenya Defence Forces will continue to be a pillar of peace and stability not only in our country but also across the region and continent,” he added.

The graduating class included the first cohort to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Defence and Security Studies from the National Defence University-Kenya, which Ruto regarded as a significant milestone in aligning military training with contemporary academic standards and strategic objectives.

He observed that these advancements have contributed to national stability, fostering an environment conducive to investment and enhancing both domestic and international confidence in Kenya. “The prosperity of our nation is built on solid foundations of peace, effective governance, and inclusive development. Our defense forces play a vital part in this equation,” he stated.

Furthermore, Ruto recognized that some of the newly commissioned officer cadets hailed from various African nations, including Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda. He described this as indicative of both the Kenya Military Academy’s high standards and the increasing regional collaboration.

Earlier in the day, the President inaugurated Lanet Regional Hospital, a facility equipped with 150 beds that will offer various specialized medical services, including intensive care and advanced surgical procedures, staffed by both military and civilian medical personnel. He also launched the Ulinzi Prime Health Services Fund, which aims to provide civilians access to high-quality medical care at military health facilities.

The fund, established under the Ministry of Defence, received Cabinet and National Assembly approval in late 2023. It will facilitate access to military referral hospitals for defense community members through various insurance schemes. “These services will allow individuals to receive specialized care that meets their needs,” Ruto concluded.