The Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, on 10 March 2026 visited the Narok Forward Operating Base (FOB), where he engaged officers and service members of the Kenya Air Force and assessed the installation’s operational readiness.
The visit forms part of the CDF’s ongoing engagements with troops across units and formations within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, addressing personnel welfare, and reinforcing leadership support to troops on the ground.
General Kahariri was received by the Commander Kenya Air Force, Major General Bernard Waliaula. During the visit, he addressed officers and service members stationed at the base and commended the Kenya Air Force for its professionalism and dedication in safeguarding the country’s airspace and supporting national security operations. He particularly praised the Service’s operational responsiveness, citing the commendable efforts of the Rapid Response Unit in assisting civil authorities during recent flood response operations.
The CDF emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards of operational readiness and urged personnel to embrace the principle of Mission Command, which encourages initiative, accountability and effective decision-making at all levels of command. He further stressed the need for prudent management and maintenance of critical operational assets, including those at the base.
During the engagement, General Kahariri also addressed infrastructure and welfare matters affecting personnel at the base and across the KDF. He noted that the Government’s National Housing Programme will play a key role in addressing accommodation challenges faced by service members and reaffirmed the Defence leadership’s commitment to improving the living and working conditions of KDF personnel.
In addition, the CDF directed the development and implementation of a comprehensive Base Master Plan to guide future infrastructure development at the installation. He emphasised that priority should be given to the completion of ongoing projects before initiating new ones to ensure efficient utilisation of available resources.
The visit provided an opportunity for the CDF to interact with personnel, gain first-hand insight into their working environment, and reaffirm the leadership’s support as they continue executing their mandate of defending and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya.
Add Comment