KDF PERSONNEL AMONG GRADUATES AT KISE’S 32ND GRADUATION CEREMONY

Six Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel were among the 1,835 graduates honoured during the 32nd Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) graduation ceremony held in Nairobi. The event was presided over by the Managing Director of the Defence Forces Medical Insurance Scheme (DEFMIS), Brigadier Hussein Amin, who represented the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri.

Delivering the CDF’s message, Brigadier Amin congratulated all graduates on their accomplishments in various specializations. He hailed the ceremony as a testament to the graduates’ resilience and determination, noting that the field of special needs education is not only a profession but a calling and a frontline in supporting persons with special needs.

“Today marks the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in the power of education. Allow me to remind you that this path demands compassion, patience, empathy, and professionalism,” he said.

Brigadier Amin encouraged the graduates to draw inspiration from military values such as discipline, professionalism, reliability, and consistency. He further commended KISE for its commitment to promoting inclusion nationwide, recalling an era when soldiers injured or disabled in the line of duty were often discharged—a practice the KDF has since moved away from.

“We appreciate KISE for helping us in this critical endeavour, as a number of our personnel have successfully been rehabilitated right here. We seek to strengthen and expand this vital partnership to ensure no KDF officer is lost from service simply on account of acquiring a disability,” he affirmed.

He reiterated the KDF’s commitment to partnering with institutions like KISE to build a more inclusive society. Current KISE–KDF collaborations include the upgrading of Kahawa Garrison School to enhance enrolment for learners with special needs, joint efforts in establishing a Centre of Excellence in Special Needs Education, and plans to collaborate in the provision of assistive devices.

KISE leadership expressed appreciation to the KDF, the Military Wives Association of Kenya, and the Military Welfare Office for their continued support.

Also present at the ceremony were representatives from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, officials from the Ministry of Education, and families of the graduates.