The Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC) marked the 4th Cohort of Tufuzu Youth Construction Skills Development Course graduation ceremony presided by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri on 8th April 2026 at Embakasi Garrison. Celebrating a remarkable milestone in its efforts to empower and equip members of military families with vital technical skills.
The 4th Cohort is the pioneer of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) on wheels at the Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC), a college accredited to build skills, confidence, and careers. It was sponsored through a strategic partnership between the Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK), Family Bank through the Family Bank Foundation and supplemented by the Kenya Army reaffirming the expanding role of community and corporate support in strengthening the broader Defence ecosystem.
The 89 graduates drawn from various Kenya Defence Forces families successfully completed an intensive three-month technical training in plumbing and electrical installation, designed to enhance employability, self-reliance and long-term socio-economic stability within military communities. Their achievement reflects DEFTEC’s evolving mandate to extend technical empowerment beyond uniformed personnel to the wider KDF family.
In his remarks, General Kahariri emphasized that the graduation of the Tufuzu Youth Construction Skills cohort represents a strategic investment in the strength and resilience of military families. He commended the strong partnership between the MWAK and the Family Bank Foundation noting that such collaborations reinforce the welfare backbone that supports the Kenya Defence Forces.
The CDF proclaimed that time has come for upscaling the current training and requested all stake holders including MWAK, Family Group Foundation and DEFTEC to come up with infrastructure to start TVET in KDF which will help in sustainability of the training and add more courses to support a good gender balance. He also highlighted that the graduands will be engaged in KDF ongoing projects and additionally they will be recruited into the KDF.
Similarly, the Chairperson of MWAK Mrs. Grace Kahariri applauded the graduates for their perseverance and commitment throughout the training period. She emphasized MWAK’s dedication to uplifting military families through education, welfare support and opportunities that foster both personal growth and community resilience. Mrs. Kahariri highlighted that providing technical training to dependants not only honours the sacrifices of service members but also strengthens the social fabric that supports the Defence Forces.
On the same platform, the Founder of the Family Bank Limited Mr. Titus Muya pointed out new responsibilities of the graduates, adding that the graduation marks a significant milestone not only in their lives, but in the legacy, they will pass on to future generations.
In a display of professionalism, the graduates equally, showcased their technical proficiency in plumbing and electrical installation across a range of residential house plans. They provided in-depth explanations of their designs and practical applications, demonstrating the high level of skill and training attained through the Tufuzu Youth Construction Skills Development Training.
The Director of the Kenya Institute of Special Education Dr. Norman Kiogora, appreciated the initiative, applauding the Kenya Defence Forces for being the lead in advancing inclusivity in special needs education.
Also, during the event, Mr. Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill, urged the graduates to trust themselves and believe in their abilities as they begin their next chapter. He encouraged them to build strong personal brands, noting that once a person becomes a brand, opportunities and financial growth naturally follow.
The event culminated with awarding of certificates and construction toolkits to the graduates as they transit to the internship phase.
Also present during the event were the Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter, the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command Major General Luka Kutto, Dr Francis Muraya, the board Chair of the Family Group Foundation, the CEO Family Bank Ms. Nancy Njau, MWAK Executive Committee Members, Senior Officers, Officers, Service Members and Military families.
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