The 1st Canine Regiment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) marked its 13th Anniversary with a series of community-focused activities, culminating in a livestock vaccination exercise in Ntashat, Ngong. This initiative aimed to promote animal health and strengthen civil-military relations.
Conducted by KDF veterinary officers in collaboration with county veterinary staff and local administrators, the exercise saw over 2,700 livestock vaccinated against prevalent diseases such as foot-and-mouth, anaplasmosis, and lumpy skin disease. In addition, the team administered deworming treatments and multivitamin injections to support pastoralist communities, safeguard food security, and enhance the resilience of local livelihoods.
Since its establishment in 2012, the 1st Canine Regiment has played a pivotal role in military operations by leveraging the unique capabilities of military working dogs (MWDs), particularly their acute olfactory senses. Their core duties include search and rescue, explosives detection, tracking, combat support, and various security-related operations. Over time, the regiment’s mandate has expanded to include support for Special Operations, roadblock security, operational patrols, and disaster response missions, significantly contributing to the safety and effectiveness of deployed troops.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Deputy General Officer Commanding (GOC) Central Command (CENTCOM), Brigadier Abraham Biwott, visited the 1st Canine Regiment and the Disaster Response Battalion (DRB) to assess their operational readiness. The visit included a briefing on current operations and a live demonstration of the MWDs’ capabilities in detection, tactical tracking, patrol, and obstacle navigation. Brigadier Biwott commended the units for their professionalism and rapid deployment readiness.
In his address during the event, The Commanding Officer of the Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Alex Maina, highlighted the unit’s growth, operational excellence, and reputation as a force multiplier. He emphasized the regiment’s commitment not only to securing the nation but also to supporting broader national development efforts beyond its core security mandate.
Local leaders and livestock owners lauded the regiment’s outreach, noting its tangible benefits to both animal health and the local economy. The exercise demonstrated the KDF’s enduring commitment to serving the people of Kenya in multiple capacities.
As part of its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, the regiment also visited Imani Children’s Home in Kayole to support vulnerable members of the community. Personnel spent time with the children, engaging them in interactive demonstrations and offering emotional support. Gifts, essential supplies, and food donations were also presented to the home. During the visit, Lt. Col. Maina stressed the importance of compassion and building lasting bonds between the military and civilians.
Additionally, the regiment honoured the memories of fallen K9 handlers and dogs through visits to their families and a memorial tribute.
The 13th anniversary celebrations concluded with a reaffirmation of the 1st Canine Regiment’s enduring role—not only as a frontline military unit but also as a vital contributor to community well-being and national cohesion.
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