Outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to support President-elect William Ruto's administration and to continue being loyal to the country.
Speaking during a farewell function organized by the defence forces at Ulinzi Sports Ground on Friday, September 9, Uhuru reiterated the role KDF played in his ten years tenure as the president of Kenya.
"I ask that you remain steadfast and support the incoming administration just like you have supported mine and that of my predecessors," Uhuru stated in his speech.
Uhuru will hand over power to Ruto on Tuesday, September 13 at Kasarani Stadium.
Further, the outgoing president expressed his gratitude to the forces for their cooperation during his ten years term. He also underscored the projects undertaken by his administration in collaboration with the defence forces.
Key among the achievements he mentioned included the reforms at the Kenya Meat Commission, the Nairobi- Nanyuki Railway and the Kisumu Port.
"I appreciate the support and participation that KDF has rendered not just in the security sector but also in our national development. We cannot underscore the incredible role that you have had in rehabilitating key infrastructure that had once upon a time left dilapidated," he stated.
"The Nairobi-Nanyuki, Nairobi-Nakuru-Kisumu Metre Gauge Railway, Kisumu Dockyard, Mbita Causeway, and Kenya Meat Commission- just a few."
According to Uhuru, the projects have made a major impact on the lives of people by creating a consistent market for the pastoral communities who previously struggled to get a market for their livestock.
"All these are a dream that has come true to many Kenyans whose contribution to the livelihoods of our people will be largely impactful, especially to those who live in pastoral areas who now have a consistent and ready market for their livestock."
His administration, he said, was committed to developing infrastructure for all security apparatus to enable them to deliver on their mandate to safeguard Kenya and the region at large. This, according to the president, has translated to stability and preparedness of the nation for the ever-rising security threats.
"Investing in the capabilities of the security agenda and agencies was critical to my agenda. The modernised capabilities and the infrastructure set up at strategic locations around the country ensured that security forces effectively undertook their constitutional mandate," stated Uhuru.
President Uhuru's tenure was characterised by immense military involvement in various departments. He was subjected to criticism due to the introduction of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) which took over the operations of the Nairobi County government and handing over the Kenya Meat Commission to KDF.
The NMS under the leadership of General Mohamed Badi undertook several projects including the rehabilitation of county vehicles and the construction of new health facilities.
