GENERAL BARAZA AND LUNCHEON FOR DEFENCE HEADQUATERS PERSONNEL

Kenya Defence Forces personnel based at Defence Headquarters in Nairobi on 30 April 2025 held a baraza and later, a Luncheon for all personnel. The event was graced by Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces Personnel and Logistics, Major General David Keter.

The common lunch pulled together officers and services members in the sharing of a meal.

During the luncheon, Maj Gen. Keter addressed the personnel on matters of soldiers’ welfare, accommodation, financial management, and discipline in general.

He assured personnel that their welfare and administration is important, urging them to join the Defence Forces Medical Insurance Scheme (DEFMIS) and Defence SACCO (DESACCO). He further noted current plans to improve accommodation, single-line changing rooms, and ablution facilities for personnel at DHQ.

Apart from welfare, Maj Gen Keter also advised the soldiers to be financially conscious and to prioritise their spending.

“Bad spending will most likely lead to stress, depression and might even lead to suicidal tendencies. Let us be wise in how we spend,” he said.

The luncheon was a conclusion to the Commandant’s Baraza held during the morning hours and chaired by the Commandant Defence Headquarters-Camp Administration Unit (DHQ-CAU) Brigadier Bernard Korir.

The Baraza which congregated personnel from various departments within the camp aimed to streamline the camp’s work environment and also address any outstanding issues.

In his address, Brig Korir appreciated the soldiers for their continued dedication and selfless service. He also commended their unwavering resilience to ensuring tasks are completed for timely service delivery.

He also urged the soldiers to maintain high standards of discipline in order to ensure a harmonious working environment as well as maximum productivity.

Brig Korir also noted that there are changes coming to the KDF that require preparedness, particularly with the pay-as-you-eat (PAYE) program. He mentioned that a pilot program on the booking system would be introduced to prepare service members on PAYE before its official rollout on 01 July 2025.

Camp security was also addressed with the commandant urging all to be aware of their surroundings in order to keep the camp secure, emphasizing that DHQ-CAU is strategically located hence the need for increased vigilance.

In his closing remarks, Brig Korir also stressed on the need to observe road safety while driving and travelling in military and personal vehicles to reduce road accidents among soldiers.