The Chairman of the Military Veterans Advisory Committee, Major General (Rtd) Lucas Tumbo, accompanied by Lieutenant General (Rtd) Joseph Kasaon, officially launched the Baringo County Military Veterans Chapter. This initiative marks a significant step in decentralizing services and bringing administrative support closer to honourably discharged personnel within their sub-counties.
The launch reinforces the institutional framework provided by the Military Veterans Act (Chapter 199A), which mandates the management of veteran affairs, including the provision of benefits for both retired service members and their dependants.
During the ceremony, the leadership underscored the Kenya Defence Forces’ commitment to ensuring that veterans transition into a dignified retirement. Major General (Rtd) Tumbo highlighted key welfare pillars, including access to quality healthcare, affordable housing, and the Dependant’s Education Fund. By focusing on these essential services, the military leadership aims to honor the illustrious careers of men and women who served the nation, ensuring their well-being is secured during their sunset years.
The Director General of the Directorate of Military Veterans (DMV) Brigadier Moses Leriari, commended the veterans for their patriotic service and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing support systems. He emphasized that the newly established chapters are not merely administrative offices but conduits for economic empowerment, psychosocial support, and skills development. He characterized veterans as national assets whose past sacrifices continue to safeguard the country’s stability, noting that their continued involvement is vital for ongoing nation-building efforts.
Following the Baringo launch, the DMV team, joined by Narok County Patron Brigadier (Rtd) Loonena Naisho, transitioned to Narok County for a comprehensive outreach and sensitization program. This nationwide mandate ensures that all veterans, regardless of their geographical location, are fully informed of the legal entitlements and opportunities available to them. The outreach served as a critical platform for the Ministry of Defence to bridge the information gap and ensure that the national framework for veteran recognition is felt across all 47 counties.
The engagement concluded with interactive sessions where veterans received detailed briefings on pension processing, healthcare access, and economic programs. Officials took the time to verify individual records and address specific concerns, providing direct guidance on navigating the procedures for accessing benefits.
The veterans expressed optimistic support for these chapters, viewing them as essential bodies for fostering camaraderie, advocating for collective welfare, and maintaining a structured link between the retired community and the Ministry of Defence.
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