The Kenya Defence Forces has kick-started the construction of the Defence Forces Welfare Services (DEFWES) Mall at Moi Barracks, Eldoret.
The mall's groundbreaking was presided over by the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, on Tuesday, October 14.
According to the military, the mall will harbour supermarkets, restaurants, and fuelling stations that will offer cost-friendly services and products to personnel, veterans, and their families within the Eldoret region.
"The project marks a major stride in the Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) commitment to improving the welfare and quality of life of its personnel, veterans and their families within the Eldoret region," KDF said in a statement on Monday.
"This ceremony underscores the collective commitment of the KDF leadership to improving welfare and operational infrastructure for soldiers across the military," it added.
The military is optimistic that the establishment of the mall will be vital in guaranteeing the social, economic, and cultural well-being of service members and their families.
KDF Day Celebrations
Kahariri presided over the groundbreaking ceremony just hours before President William Ruto joined the military to grace the KDF day celebrations.
For the first time since taking office three years ago, the Head of State donned a full military uniform, bearing his name and the initials of the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces.
The annual celebrations, which were introduced in 2011, serve as a reminder to celebrate the bravery, service, and sacrifice of men and women in uniform who shield the country from both internal and external attacks.
KDF Recruitment
The celebrations come a day after the Defence Cabinet Secretary, Soipan Tuya, launched the KDF recruitment exercise that is aimed at enhancing the capacity of the country's armed forces.
The exercise, which is expected to sail through until October 25, will recruit General Service Officer (GSO) cadets – regular and graduate, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and Women, and Defence Forces Constables.
The CS assured that the government has reinitiated a crackdown against individuals extorting funds from the recruits to ensure that every Kenyan gets a fair chance to participate in the exercise.
“We are flagging off this exercise with a clear message: the Kenya Defence Forces recruitment is free, fair, and open to all eligible Kenyans. Any form of bribery or canvassing will be met with apprehension and prosecution.”
“Let this be a moment of pride, not fear. The KDF stands for discipline, dignity, and duty, and every recruit must reflect those values,” she added.
