Amb. Raychelle Omamo awards Senior Private Naibei Ruth Sasia the Best Student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Telecom Option).

Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ambassador Raychelle Omamo presided over a colourful 15th Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC) graduation ceremony held at the college grounds, in Embakasi Garrison on Thursday 9 May 2019.

The students graduated with Diplomas and Conversion Certificates in 14 disciplines from the Engineering and Information Technology fields. The elaborate ceremony saw the graduands administer the Technician Oath, which serves as a guide once they resume duties at their various Formations and Units. Students who were exemplary in various areas were also awarded.

While addressing the gathering, the CS voiced her appreciation to the college contribution to produce quality technical personnel who continued to diligently offer their services in the maintenance of KDF’s air, land and maritime infrastructure. “I commend the college for the great strides in research and development which have been manifested in among other areas, the Nairobi International Trade Fair,” she added.

She lauded the management of the institution for the continued progress witnessed; challenging them to dedicate even more effort in ensuring continued production of quality technicians through quality training.

Speaking at the same forum, the Commander Kenya Air Force Major General Francis Ogolla noted that the graduands had received the highest level of skills that ensured they were ready for the needs of KDF in the technical fields. “The college is on a continuous improvement path that puts it at par with the fast changing global technology,” he also indicated that there were plans for the institution to offer Bachelors programs particularly in the Engineering fields.

The college’s Commandant Colonel Wilson Keter thanked the Ministry of Defence and the leadership of the three sister Services within the KDF, for the continued support to the college, which was instrumental in its success.

The CS, Commander Kenya Air Force accompanied by Senior Officers later made a site visit at the Embakasi hangar and was briefed on the project.

Others present included the Commander 8 Brigade Brigadier Jeff Nyagah, Deputy Base Commander Moi Air Base Colonel Apollo Aloka, Senior Officers, Officers, instructors, Service Members, family members among other invited guests.

CS Defence Amb. Raychelle Omamo speaks at the DEFTEC graduation ceremony.

DEFTEC graduands take an oath of allegiance during the graduation ceremony.

Kenya Air Force graduands march past the dais during DEFTEC graduation ceremony.

Commander Kenya Air Force Maj Gen Francis Ogolla escorted by the parade commander Maj Philip Okumu inspects a parade during the 15th Defence Forces Technical College Graduation ceremony at Embakasi Garrison, Nairobi.