President William Ruto has presided over the passing-out parade of the first cohort of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruits for 2025, as he outlined plans to strengthen Kenya’s security capabilities beyond Vision 2030.
The ceremony was held at the KDF Recruits Training School (RTS) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, where the recruits completed a demanding training programme before joining the country’s defence forces.
Congratulating the graduates, Ruto urged them to serve the country with courage, discipline and restraint, emphasising the important role they will play in safeguarding Kenya.
“Congratulations to all the graduates on successfully completing a very demanding course. Serve with courage, discipline and restraint,” the President said.
Ruto said the national conversation on Kenya’s transformation beyond 2030 must place national security at the centre of the country’s development agenda.
He noted that security and development should not be viewed as competing priorities, arguing that security creates an environment for development while development, in turn, strengthens national security.
“As we look beyond Vision 2030, national security must extend beyond protecting our borders to securing our digital systems, critical infrastructure, food and energy systems, our territorial waters and the other pillars of a modern economy,” he said.
The President warned that Kenya must also prepare for emerging threats as the nature of warfare and national security continues to change.
He identified cyberspace, artificial intelligence, climate shocks and new disease outbreaks among the emerging frontiers that could pose security challenges to the country.
Ruto said his administration would continue investing in the welfare, training and readiness of the KDF to ensure the military remains prepared to respond to both traditional and emerging threats.
The government will also strengthen Kenya’s capabilities in cybersecurity, intelligence, maritime security and military medicine, he said.
Ruto further pledged to improve the welfare and recognition of members of the defence forces and their families, saying those who serve the country deserve dignity and appreciation.
“KDF must not simply defend the Kenya of today; it must also secure the Kenya we intend to become,” Ruto said.
The Eldoret pass-out parade marked an important milestone for the recruits, who are now expected to begin serving in various capacities within the KDF as part of Kenya’s broader national security architecture.
