Majeshi Yetu Volume 14

MAJESHI
YETU
KENYA DEFENCE FORCES
2019 VOLUME 14
Majeshi Yetu
1

Preamble
The Ministry of Defence is comprised of the Kenya Army, the
Kenya Air Force, the Kenya Navy, the Defence Force
Constabulary and the Civilian Staff.
Mandate
Vision
Mission
Commitment
The Mandate of the Ministry is derived from Article 241:1 (a), (b)
and (c) of the Constitution of the Kenya Defence Forces Act No.
25 of 2012.
A premier, credible and mission capable force deeply rooted in
professionalism.
To defend and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity
of the Republic, assist and cooperate with other authorities in
situations of emergency or disaster and restore peace in any part
of Kenya affected by unrest or instability as assigned.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to defending the people
of the Republic of Kenya and their property against external
aggression and also providing support to Civil Authority.
Core Values
To achieve its Mission and Vision, the Ministry is guided by its
core values and beliefs namely:
Apolitical: The Defence Forces will steer clear of politics and will
remain steadfastly apolitical.
The Civil Prerogative: The Defence Force shall always
subordinate itself to democratic Civil Authority and will treat the
people of Kenya and its other clients with civility at all times.
Loyalty and Commitment: The Defence Forces will uphold its
loyalty and commitment to the Commander-in-Chief and the
People of the Republic of Kenya through the chain of command.
Patriotism: The staff of the Ministry of Defence shall always be
patriotic to the Government and the People of Kenya.
Professionalism: Service delivery will be based on the highest
professional standards.
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Majeshi Yetu

Publisher
Kenya Defence Forces
Editor-in-Chief
Colonel Paul Njuguna
Editorial Team
Public Affairs Office
Layout and Design
Corporal Patrick Shinyosi
Photography
Senior Sergeant Alvine Magige
Sergeant James Kariuki
Sergeant Jamally Juma
Sergeant Victor Mutinda
Sergeant Robert Ouko
Sergeant Boris Munyui
Corporal Felix Muvevi
Corporal Patrick Shinyosi
Copyright © 2019 by Kenya Defence Forces,
Ministry of Defence, Kenya.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including
photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical
methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher,
except brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and
certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.
The contents herein are attributable to the authors
themselves and their opinions do not necessarily reflect the
official position of the Kenya Defence Forces or the Ministry of
Defence.
Talk to us:
Ministry of Defence, Kenya
P.O. Box 40668 – 00100 Ulinzi House, Lenana Road, Nairobi
Tell: 2721100, 2712054 Ext: 5839/5470
Email: publicaffairs@mod.go.ke
Website: www.mod.go.ke
Twitter: @kdfinfo
Facebook: @KDFOfficial
Youtube: Kenya Defence Forces
Majeshi Yetu
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40
Contents...
7 KDF Diary 2019
15 The Chaplaincy in KDF
22 Kenya Army Training
24 Special Operations Training
20 14 12
26 CIMIC Diary 2019
29 Lamu Salama
32 Message from KAF Commander
33 MAB BMC Hospital Information
Management System
36 Bolstering Kenya's Airpower
38 Habits to help stay safe Inline
44 Kenya Navy Builds a new Slipway
16
45 Kenya Navy Mass Wedding
48 KDF Progressively Implementing Somali
Trasition Plan
50 Book Excerpt
52 KDF's Unshakable Female Weightlifter
46
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Majeshi Yetu

MESSAGE FROM
THE CABINET SECRETARY FOR DEFENCE
We have a lot to engage on in
the coming year as part of our
renewed commitment to offer
effective and proactive defence to
our Country.
outside the country in order to keep up with the best practices
and technological advancements with the best in the world today.
Amb. Raychelle Omamo, SC, EGH
I
am greatly pleased to pen this year’s reflection in the final
edition of Majeshi Yetu magazine, first, as a way of taking
stock of the ministry’s achievements in the year that has
been, and also setting targets for the year 2020. This year
has been a successful year for the MOD in all fronts of our
engagements and will indeed be the launch pad of the targets we
are going to set for the coming year.
Let me begin first and foremost, to thank immensely all the Ministry
of Defence personnel, both uniformed and non-uniformed for
the exemplary service within and outside our borders in the year
2019. Your commitment and tireless effort in service of Kenyans
and humanity is not in vain. We indeed appreciate your loyalty,
determination and selfless service.
We are proud of our achievements in the current year having
engaged fruitfully and fulfilled various policy documents and
enablers in the Ministry. We have engaged fruitfully with National
Assembly and Senate on matters concerning our core mandate.
We are also in the process of engaging the County Governments
on opening up new units locations within the package of military
modernization in order to keep up with the demands of providing
defence to our citizens. Other important areas of significant
progress include the bilateral engagements with partners on
training and knowledge exchange programmes within and
We have done well in the area of Environmental Soldier Programme
having planted over 1.1 million seedlings in conjunction with
partners, across various forests in the country, as part of the
national directive seeking to achieve at least 10% forest cover by
the year 2022. Going forward, we are taking this effort further as
our initiative to embed environmental issues into Peacekeeping
Operations. Further to this, we are in the process of finalizing
various policies that will shape our engagements in various fields
and sectors particularly in the Industrialization sector, as housed
in the Presidential Big 4 Agenda. We shall also play a key role in
supporting the harnessing of the Blue Economy through support
of the Coast Guard Service. All these aspects are geared towards
opening our engagements as the Ministry of Defence in a wide
array of areas through Research and Development.
We have been keen on ensuring that Welfare Centers in all our
Units are functional and have capacity to take care of our personnel
and their families particularly the widows, Widowers, Orphans
and personnel returning from deployments with welfare needs.
This still remains our focus in the coming year. We have a lot to
engage on in the coming year as part of our renewed commitment
to offer effective and proactive defence to our Country.
As I conclude, I would like to highlight the fact that we are entering
a period of festivities synonymous with over celebrations and
indulgence. I urge you to embrace moderation in all your festive
season undertakings and ensure that you remain safe on the roads
as well. To our esteemed service personnel in deployments both
within and outside the confines of our borders, I salute you and
urge you to continue with the great work you are doing for our
country. Festive seasons always come with heightened security
challenges. As such, you are the only ones alert and mandated to
keep the rest of the country safe. I guarantee you my support in
complementing what you are doing. Thank you in advance and
see you in the coming year for a new chapter of our engagements
themed Outlook 2020.
Majeshi Yetu
3

MESSAGE FROM
CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCES
General Samson Mwathethe EGH MBS DCO ‘ndc’ (K) ‘psc’ (UK)
am delighted to welcome you to
I the 14th edition of Majeshi Yetu, a
production that continues to educate
and inform on Kenya Defence Forces
activities.
Being the last edition for this year 2019,
the magazine seeks to highlight Kenya
Defence Forces activities throughout
the year as we also look ahead to 2020
and beyond. The highlighted activities
include engagements within the
country as well as beyond our borders,
some in support offered to the Civil
Authorities as well as civil population.
Let me take this early opportunity
to salute all Kenya Defence Forces
Officers and Service Members for
their commitment and valor as they
undertook tasks assigned to them
and thereby achieving objectives set
earlier in the year are accomplished
successfully. As we enter the year
2020, i am confident that that we shall
undertake and accomplish our mission
with optimal performance.
Kenya Defence Forces continues to
improve its equipment and capabilities
through a targeted modernization
program that seeks to ensure that our
personnel effectively execute their
I am gratified that we
have continued being
a positive force to the
world wherever we
serve, cementing our
reputation as peace
ambassadors in Africa
and the world.
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Majeshi Yetu

mandate and surmount challenges that may be faced from
time to time as we defend our motherland.
As part of our welfare program, Kenya Defence Forces has
given special focus to families in order to ensure that the
family unit that contributes to the well-being of this soldier
is also kept in perspective. To this end we have continued to
create more Welfare Centres as well as improve those that
are already in existence. The Centres will continue to attend
to the needs of our soldiers as well as those of their families
thereby ensuring that soldier support systems are effective
and answer to our needs. It is our aim to have a Centre in
every unit so as to efficiently address issues that may affect
soldiers and those they depend on for stability.
Our troops continue to take part in peace keeping and peace
enforcement missions in the region as well as in parts of
the world. I am gratified that we have continued being a
positive force to the world wherever we serve, cementing our
reputation as peace ambassadors in Africa and the world.
Our level of professionalism has been beyond reproach and
a point of reference for others to emulate.
Additionally, we continue to contribute to the Big Four
Agenda, through diversification of products produced
by our Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC),
putting emphasis on technical training, increasing support
to Research and Development (R&D) and continuously
expanding capabilities at Defence Forces Technical College
(DEFTEC).
Our sportsmen and women continue to excel in various
fields and we, as always, continue to support them, ensuring
that they continue to raise the Kenyan Flag high in regional
and global events. As Eliud Kipchoge was proving that no
human is limited, our own Cpl Jocelyne Jepkosgei did
Kenya and KDF proud by winning the recent New Yolk
Marathon. Cpl Hellen Obiri has been phenomenal in the
5000m race setting a new record in Doha in October and
always ensuring the Kenyan Anthem is heard at these
global athletics events. I congratulate our sportspersons
and hope that 2020 will bring even bigger tidings.
As I conclude, let me hope that you will enjoy reading this
edition of Majeshi Yetu hoping that it will be an entertaining
copy that will give you insights on KDF activities in the
year 2019 as we focus on scaling new heights in the new
year, 2020.
God bless you.
The CDF, Gen Mwathethe's message during KDF
Day celebrations at Lang'ata Barracks
Majeshi Yetu
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Remarks by
Editor-in-Chief
Colonel Paul Njuguna
I
am humbled to welcome you to another edition of
Majeshi Yetu, this being the 14th edition which seeks,
as always, to keep you informed about Kenya Defence
Forces.
This edition highlights the progress we have made in
various aspects ranging from operations to our continuing
modernization programs in 2019, as we look at the coming
years and where we see KDF in that space.
Focus is also given to some firsts, with the Kenya Navy Sail
Past as witnessed during 20th October 2019 Mashujaa Day
being an example. The ongoing construction of the Kenya
Navy Slip Way that will positively impact marine operations
in Kenya and beyond is also featured in this edition.
The exemplary performance of KDF female Officers and
Service Members in peacekeeping and peace enforcement
missions all over the world has earned Kenya and KDF
accolades and which is, in part, due to our Gender Policy,
which ensures that there is equal opportunity in execution
of our mission. Further, pacification of our troops in Sector
II and Sector Kismayo in Somalia under the African Union
Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for eight years now is an
important chapter for KDF and the progress made is herein
penned down.
Industrialization is key in any developing economy and the
KDF has put strides towards achieving Vision 2030 in the
long term with focus on the short-term Big Four Agenda.
These efforts have also been underscored in this edition.
Supporting civil authority within and outside Kenya is
well embedded in our mission and to this end, KDF has
conducted several Civil Military Cooperation activities to
support communities. Our activities in this area have been
highlighted in the pages of this edition.
The threat from technological advancement that hackers take
advantage of to cause harm to individual or organisational
data is here with us. Cyber Security is thus an important
aspect to eliminate this threat and safeguard crucial
information in our computers. Tips on how to navigate this
treacherous space have been shared herein.
Two books, Kenya Army Book and Lieutenant General
Opande Autobiography, have been highlighted to bring forth
KDF’s activities and missions whose objective is ensuring
security of the Kenyans and further bringing peace in Africa
and beyond.
The above form a part of what promises to be an informative,
educative as well as entertaining read and I welcome you to
delve into the pages and discover what lies within.
Welcome and Enjoy your read.
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Majeshi Yetu

KDF
Diary
2019
Cpl Munyao of Joint Helicopter
Command taking President Uhuru
Kenyatta through the working
mechanism of a helicopter.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Amb.
Raychelle Omamo flanked by
Commandant National Defence
College Lt Gen Adan Mulata with the
Distinguished Taxpayers 2019 Most
Supportive Public Sector award at
Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya
Majeshi Yetu
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EVENTS
Sergeant Abaka receives an award of
recognition from the Defence Cabinet
Secretary Amb. Raychelle Omamo for
being an accomplished boxer who has
been a national team captain for over
ten years. He has recorded 420 wins
in over 480 fights both nationally and
internationally.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Racheal Omamo
(right) chats with Gebreel al Hazmi (in black
suit) from Rear Admiral warship and Salem al
Zaabi (second left), the advisor to the Minister of
Transport from the United Arabs Emirates during
the opening of the Djibouti Code of Conduct
Regional High Level meeting and Maritime
Security in Mombasa, Kenya. Looking on is
the Shipping and Maritime Affairs Principal
Secretary Nancy Karigithu (second right).
Lieutenant Njoki Maina leads
a platoon of Kenya Defence
Forces contingent in a match
past during the Madaraka
Day celebrations at Narok
Stadium.
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Majeshi Yetu

EVENTS
South Sudan Minister of Defence
Hon. Eng Kuol Manyang Juk gives
his opening remarks during opening
ceremony of the EAC Military Games
and Cultural Event at Kasarani
Stadium, Nairobi
Maj Gen Fatma Ahmed poses
for a photo with KDF comrades
during DEFOCA meeting.
Commander OFM Colonel D K
Chesire receives a Landcruiser from
The Kenya National Highways
Authority (KENHA) to boost
operations in Boni.
Majeshi Yetu
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EVENTS
KDF troops salute during the reception of President Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory of Mauritius at the Jomo
Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi.
Kenya Defence Forces
sensitize pupils in Isiolo
on dangers of Unexploded
Ordnance.
Soldiers participate in a
tree planting exercise at
Ngong' Hills.
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Majeshi Yetu

EVENTS
Colonel Bernard Waliaula signs an
autobiography for Master Chaudry,
a student at Nairobi Jaffery
Academy, during a KDF mentorship
program at the academy.
Kenya Air Force helicopter during
a joint excercise at Malindi
Ministry of Defence civilians in a capacity building session
Majeshi Yetu
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Ultra-Modern
Rehabilitation
Centre
By Lt Col Zipporah Kioko
The Kenya Defence Forces, ultra-modern Rehabilitation
Centre under construction will commence operations
in January 2020. The Rehab Centre is located at 7
Kenya Rifles, Langata barracks in Nairobi County. It is
the largest psychosocial health facility by the Ministry
of Defence in response to the needs of military and civilian
personnel as well as their families.
Upon completion, the structure will provide for outpatient and
inpatient services, with a bed capacity of 100 patients. This
specialised facility will augment the mental health services offered
by the KDF regional hospitals in Isiolo, Lanet, Nairobi, Garissa,
Mariakani and Eldoret.
The grand project by General Samson Mwathethe is also primed to
compliment the national government Big Four Agenda on health
especially mental well being needs. Depression and other forms
of mental health challenges were issues addressed by President
Uhuru Kenyatta during his Madaraka Day Speech when he
challenged employers and institutions of learning to invest more
time and resources in monitoring and facilitating the mental wellbeing
of their charges
Speaking during the eighth anniversary of the Kenya Defence
Forces Day, held at the Langata Barracks the Chief of the Defence
Forces General Samson Mwathethe, acknowledged that as Kenya
Defence Forces Soldiers take up various roles and functions in
fulfilment of their mandate, a number of challenges continue to
emerge ranging from substance abuse, relationship difficulties,
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and financial challenges
among others.
The dynamic nature of welfare issues and subsequently the high
expectations from soldiers and their families, to address this
Gen Mwathethe stated that; “The psychosocial support of our
soldiers who have borne the brunt of combat related physical
and psychological injuries is key. The goal is to guarantee the
holistic well-being of our soldiers and their families so as to
reduce any distractions that may derail their ability to effectively
discharge their functions. It is for this reason that an ultra-modern
Rehabilitation Centre has been constructed in Lang’ata Barracks
to ensure that our personnel and their dependants in need of
prolonged care receive world-class treatment.”
Lt Col (Dr) Obadiah Yator, a Clinical Psychologist and the
Commanding officer of the Rehabilitation Centre says, “to have a
rehabilitation Centre is a vision long held by General Mwathethe,
since we first briefed him on the state of the KDF psychosocial
health capacity and facilities in December 2015, in the bunkers
of Dhobley.” He adds that, “the modernization and accelerated
approach towards combating mental health is 'a miracle'.
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Majeshi Yetu

Ongoing construction of the ultra-modern
rehabilitation centre at Lang'ata Barracks
Beneficiaries
Spte Njoroges (not his real name) while
on patrol duties in Fafadun, Somalia
drove to an ambush laid by Al Shabaab
militants. The platoon shot their way
through to safety. Although physically he
was unscathed, the events of that ambush
never left him.
During his leave from the frontlines
his wife reported that he was avoiding
her, that his mood was erratic and that
he was drinking heavily and would not
sleep. Njoroge was admitted for active
hospitalization and upon discharge he was
referred to the mental health clinic. Spte
Njoroge admits that his situation is now
much better as he is counting 2 months
since he last took alcohol and is optimistic
he will stop sleeping with his lights on
soon.
The transformation is a direct response
to the challenges facing Kenyan Soldiers
following exposure to operations. There
is acceptance that the need requires a
game changer approach. This has been
accelerated by the immense support
and goodwill to bridge the gap through
immediate actions such as empowerment
of the medical practitioners through
training, recruitment of professionals and
capacity building.
The model adopts
a transition of
patients from active
treatment at the
hospital where
they have received
physical treatment
following an injury,
exposure to trauma
or substance abuse
disorder.
Amongst other roles, the Rehab Centre will
provide psychosocial support to address;
family life, parenting, fighting fit, human
sexuality, financial & Psychological first
aid, Combat stress and social management.
Lt Col Obadiah Yator believes future
focus will emphasize on mental resilience
and performance enhancement, sleep
management, Psychological and
Psychometric assessment.
General Mwathethe’s outlook is that
a soldier will be assessed at the predeployment,
deployment and post
deployment stages. Further, he/she will
receive adequate needs, rest and allowed to
recuperate and get assistance to reintegrate
back into the society after deployment.
While in deployment, kitting equipping
and provision of medical care are assured.
Further, KDF shall do everything within
its powers to recover isolated personnel
from hostile grounds.
The rehabilitation centre concept is
modelled after best practices by militaries
around the world such as the UK and
USA where KDF doctors have also been
trained. The model adopts a transition
of patients from active treatment at the
hospital where they have received physical
treatment following an injury, exposure
to trauma or substance abuse disorder.
The hospital treatment and discharge, is
followed by a referral to the Rehab facility
for mental health services.
Majeshi Yetu
13

Mental health centres also provide transition
counselling to those who are undergoing
cross training. A process which allows for
individuals to be sensitized to changes
following an event. For example, an infantry
soldier who loses his lower limbs may be
deployed as a clerk or telephone operator,
this requires training to learn new skills,
acceptance and for the soldier to embrace
the deployment currently cross training is a
3-year plan per patient.
For those suffering alcohol or substance use
disorder, the active treatment at the hospital
will detoxify and wean the patient off
substance abuse before they are referred to
the Rehab Centre for addiction counselling,
eradicating dependency is a one to three
months’ session.
Lt Col Yator points out that PTSD affects all
people; it is not a condition for the military
personnel. Combat stress is the condition
which affects some military personnel due
to exposure at the war front and prolonged
deployment. This may be exacerbated if the
soldier has a weak or lacks support of his
family or has made poor social economic
choices.
Common combat stress signs include
Cognitive distortion or low mood,
Hyperosol /hyper vigilant, numbness or
avoidance, irritability, re-experiencing,
nightmare or, flashback. An intervention for
those with these signs may be self admission
to hospital; family reports or presents the
soldier to his unit or military hospital,
through the Unit or Base Welfare Centres
or the Commanding Officers referral. The
same procedure is used upon discharge
from the hospital and rehab centres. The
good will and frontline support is evident
in the success approval and prioritization
of several efforts to address existing and
missing gaps. The establishment of the
mental health organizational centres and
services from the structure operating
procedures and staffing is a milestone for
KDF.
KDF mental health practitioners have
also been trained on the Trauma Risk
Management (TRIM) to control the effects
of PTSD. TRIM is a non-medical skill based
KDF has 160 TRIM practitioners 60 TRIM
managers and a trainer of trainers. This is
adopted from a concept by UK psychiatrist
Greenberg and applied on UK Marine
soldiers. The process observes and mitigates
combat stress, by having post event Briefs
immediately after event. The soldiers are
taken through the trauma incident briefing
for reassurance, an assessment of affected is
done follow up is done monthly for period
of 12months.
The soldier will be assessed
at the pre-deployment,
deployment and post
deployment stages, will
receive adequate needs rest
and recuperate, will receive
assistance to reintegrate
back into the society after
deployment, and assurance
that the soldier shall be well
trained, kitted and equipped,
provide medical care and
assurance that we shall do
everything we can to recover
our isolated personnel from
hostile grounds.
Gen Mwathethe during KDF Day
Celebrations at Langata Barracks
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Majeshi Yetu

The
Chaplaincy in KDF
By Catechist WOI David Samoei
including media is on the increase. The
chaplaincy through counselling organizes
topics to educate the youth on the dangers
of engaging in such vices.
Another area of interest in the chaplaincy is
in resolution of domestic conflicts among
families. When there is a misunderstanding
between couples, the dispute is resolved
through counselling. Differences arising in
marriages are addressed in therapy sessions
during counselling.
In peace time location, the Churches/
Mosques are equally active. The chaplaincy
takes adults and children through catechism
classes as well as prepare them for
sacraments. The same also is done in the
children at the madrasa.
The chaplaincy has strong choirs that sing
to compete at national levels during choir
competitions. Choirs begin by competing
at Diocese level and progress to national
festivals depending on their performance.
KDF Clergy during KDF Day Celebrations at Lang'ata Barracks.
Many a times people have
looked at solders as
tough, indestructible
godless beings. This could
be what they portray on
the surface, but most solders are tender,
gentle and God fearing. This attested to by
the presence of chaplaincy in KDF.
The Chaplaincy in Kenya Defence Forces
(KDF) draws its life in giving spiritual
support to Officers, Service members,
families and members of the Civilian
staff working in the Defence Forces. The
chaplaincy offers among others Spiritual
support, Counselling, teaching catechesis
and general church administration to the
laity.
The chaplaincy has of late grown
immeasurably. There are new workshops
and seminars running while some churches
and mosques are still under construction.
There is a good number of Priests/Imams
including Catechists and Maalims who
are seconded from their home Dioceses to
the Military to give spiritual service and
leadership to their faithfuls.
The chaplaincy serves its flock in both
peace and operation areas. The Chaplains/
Imams and Catechists/Maalims are sent to
operation areas to give spiritual nourishment
and counselling services to the troops in the
particular areas.
Counselling has a positive impact on
Soldiers and their families. Soldiers staying
away from their families are psychology
affected due to the duration of time spend
out while in operation areas.
The chaplains attached to the Soldiers
offer them the same counselling whenever
one experiences psychological challenges
emanating from work and the family back
at home. This support assists the Soldiers to
adjust various situations at hand.
Chaplains/Imaams and Catechists and
Maalim offer counselling support to the
families left back home by the soldiers to
enable them adjust to the challenges at hand.
Young adults who are the youth in the
churches and mosques are also counselled.
Majority of the youth are exposed to
drugs and substance abuse in the larger
community. Addictions to other substances
The chaplaincy has youth programmes
conducted every year during school holidays
where youth are grouped into senior youth,
the YCW (Young Catholic Workers) and the
PMC (Pontifical Missionary Children) for
training on how to better their lives.
The youth are aged between 14 – 35 years
while PMC are aged between 0 – 13 years.
Youth who are transiting to become the
Senior Youth have their own programmes.
Indoor and outdoor games such as football
are organized by the units and regions for
their youth according to their calendar of
events. Seminars and other lectures are
also given during school holidays. During
these seminars, lessons on radicalization,
drug and substance abuse are also shared.
Workshops, Catechism and Madrasa
are means of engaging the youth during
holidays.
The churches have other apostolates that
are referred to as agents of evangelization.
Military Ordinariates have the Men
Apostolate, Women Apostolate, Youth
Apostolate, the Lay Apostolate, Counselling
Services, Marriage Encounter for the
couples and Biblical Apostolate.
The apostolates hold meetings, seminars
and workshops according to set programme
of activities. Lectures on different topics
are offered to the apostolates to build
them spiritually. The Men and Women are
empowered to know how to handle their
responsibilities as parents and as Church/
Mosque leaders.
Majeshi Yetu
15

Female Military
Peacekeepers
By Lt Col Elizabeth Omollo and Major Omanyo
Various conflict dynamics
have been witnessed in
the current peace and
security environment,
among them, civilians being the
greatest casualties of present
conflicts. Women and children have
been disproportionately affected
during and after violent conflicts
especially as relates to cases of
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
(SGBV) and the adoption of new
roles in the society.
As peacekeeping evolves to include
a wider humanitarian approach
and mandates for protection of
civilians, women are increasingly
being deployed in all peace keeping
domains - Police, Military, and
Civilian to engage in both the
preventive and responsive measures
in the ever dynamic nature of issues
affecting women/girls and men/
boys in PSO.
United Nations Security Council
resolutions on Women, Peace
and Security (WPS) particularly
UNSCR 1325 (2000), and
recently 2242 (2015) advocate for
meaningful participation of women
at all levels of Peace and Security
processes.
Female peacekeepers have
made a positive impact on
peace keeping environment
by supporting the role of
women in building peace,
protecting women's rights
and more.
KDF Service
Woman under
AMISOM interacts
with Somali Locals
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Majeshi Yetu

Indeed, most of the current Peace Support
Operations (PSO)/Peacekeeping missions
have Protection of Civilian mandates and
are adopting a gendered approach towards
meeting the needs of all sectors of the
affected population.
The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), has
progressively increased the deployment of
female military personnel in peace support
operations/ peacekeeping duties across the
world and in various capacities: as part of
Troop Contributing Country’s (TCCs)
contingents thus playing important roles
such as the Female Engagement Teams
in AMISOM; or as Experts on Mission in
the capacity of Military Observers; or as
Military Staff Officers in various missions
such as AMISOM; UNAMID etc. 19% of
deployed KDF personnel are said to be
female according to UN (UN Security
Council Meeting 8508 Meeting 11 April
2019), meeting the UN secretary General’s
Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy
(2019) threshold which advocates that at
least 15% of the deployed forces by UN
Member states in peacekeeping missions
be uniformed female personnel.
Female peacekeepers have made a positive
impact on peace keeping environment by
supporting the role of women in building
peace, protecting women's rights and more
importantly engaging all stakeholders
involved in conflict zone for a durable and
sustainable peace.
The presence of female military
peacekeepers in patrol units; check points
etc. in PSO environments where women
are generally prohibited from speaking to
men, has ensured that peacekeepers reach
an important segment of the society thus
providing a greater sense of security to
local populations especially children and
women. This ensures specific needs and
fears of women have been addressed and
higher reporting of cases of SGBV by both
men and women also been recorded.
Deployment of female military
peacekeepers and the realization of
their full potential has however been
confronted with a number of obstacles
including lack of adequate mechanisms to
address their vulnerabilities when facing
sexual harassment and exploitation; lack
of appropriate sanitation facilities and
poor access to sexual and reproductive
healthcare.
Towards the objective of “getting the
numbers right” for female military
personnel and towards ensuring their
effective participation in peace and
security processes, tailored training for
potential female military PSO actors is
key.
During MINUSMA patrol duties in GAO
town and its environs as a MILOBS, one
would not miss the presence of young
boys/girls and their mothers, whose faces
would often light up at the sight of a
uniformed female peacekeeper. The kind
of communication that ensued always
demonstrated some kind of connection/
relation that was absent between this part
of the population with our male colleagues.
KDF Service Women under AMISOM assiting Locals in Somalia
Majeshi Yetu
17

Lt Col Omollo (Kenya Air Force) with fellow MONUK Officers
Inclusion of female
military personnel
at all levels of PSO
missions, particularly
at senior levels is also
important for them to
exploit their potential
and for mentoring
purposes
Since 2017, KDF through the
International Peace Support Training
Centre (IPSTC), has hosted the
international Female Military Officers
Course (FMOC) - a pre-deployment
course aimed at building the capacities
and capabilities of female military
Officers for PSO missions. Thankfully,
KDF has had the opportunity to train at
least three female Officers whenever the
course is hosted at IPSTC. In the same
vein, IPSTC in conjunction with UN
Women Kenya, early this year, launched
a similar training for 40 KDF female
service members.
Inclusion of female military personnel at
all levels of PSO missions, particularly at
senior levels is also important for them to
exploit their potential and for mentoring
purposes both to female military
peacekeepers and for women in the host
nations.
In Liberia, women formed the Women of
Liberia Mass Action for Peace campaign
and influenced the signing of the 2003
Comprehensive Peace Agreement,
bringing to an end one of the countries’
horrific civil war, also in AMISOM
women have managed to engage fellow
women who due to cultural barriers
cannot speak to men just to mention
some example among many others.
The increasing importance of female
peacekeepers in modern PSO missions
cannot be overlooked and so is the
significance of their numbers in these
missions. This calls for joint efforts
between the deploying organizations
e.g. the UN and the African Union,
and the Member states or TCCs. These
numbers must however be matched with
an analysis of the strengths/ weaknesses
of both female and male peacekeepers to
increase the effectiveness of peacekeepers
in the various peacekeeping/PSO
missions.
18
Majeshi Yetu

KENYA ARMY
Ngao ya Taifa
Majeshi Yetu
19

The
MONUSCO Experience
I had the chance to participate
in several key leader engagement
missions in North Kivu, South
Kivu and Ituri Provinces, the
areas most affected by armed
activity and where the Force had
projected presence.
By Maj S C Kurui
I
served in the United Nations Organization Stabilization
Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(MONUSCO) in 2017/2018 as the Deputy Military Public
Information Officer at the Force Headquarters in GOMA.
My immediate boss was the Force Spokesperson and our office
was integral to the Force Commander’s Office on matters public
communication. It also had a functional relationship with the
Mission’s Public Information department and the Mission
Spokesperson’s Office.
Our responsibilities primarily encompassed managing the
Force’s external communication, arranging media coverage of
key events and issues, responding to information requests and
20
Majeshi Yetu

inquiries from members of the press besides training staff
on media management and developing policies to guard
against release of information that could prove detrimental
to the Mission.
2017/2018 period was a watershed in the Democratic
Republic of Congo’s (DRC) politics and the UN Mission
there. As it can be remembered, President Joseph Kabila
postponed indefinitely the December 2016 elections citing
an unfavorable security environment among other reasons.
This decision was greeted with uproar amidst protests and
criticism from the country’s opposition, civil society, the
Church and the international community.
To avert a possible return to the chaos which had become a
hallmark of the country since the first Congo War in 1996,
the influential Episcopal Conference of Catholic Bishops
(CENCO) brokered a deal between the government and the
opposition giving way to the 31 December 2016 Agreement
in which the protagonists agreed to form a transitional
government with elections being held before the end of
2017 where President Kabila was to effectively hand over
power.
As if the political stalemate and the chronic restive situation
in the country’s resource rich east were not enough, a
rebellion sprang out of the previously relatively peaceful
Kasai Central province ignited by perceived marginalization
and a fallout between the Government and the Bajila
Kasanga chieftaincy over the former’s failure to recognize
Jean-Pierre Mpandi as the hereditary leader, Kamuina
Nsapu.
Reports of gross human rights violations as the authorities
tried to crash the Kamuina Nsapu rebellion prompted
the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights to deploy its experts to investigate the claims. The
two experts alongside several Congolese assists would
later be decapitated in Tshimbulu, attracting international
condemnation.
Prior to March 2017, the UN mission had limited footprint
in this part of the country as its focus was mostly in the east.
It is against this backdrop that I began my tour of duty in the
DRC. Three months into my tour, I was appointed as part of
a task force that was to undertake reconnaissance in Kasai
as the mission prepared to project presence necessitated by
the runaway insecurity arising out of the Kamuina Nsapu
phenomenon.
As the public information officer, my duty was to gauge the
public perception of the UN (force) and establish working
relations with the local media. This took us to Kananga,
Tshimbulu, Tshikapa and Luiza, all key locations within the
Greater Kasai.
Arising from our recommendations, UN forces were
deployed in Tshikipa, Mbuji Mayi and Kamako effectively
helping quell the armed group activities and allowing
displaced persons to return to their areas of domicile.
UN presence also helped keep in check the heavy handedness
of the authorities and facilitated the investigations into
possible violations of international humanitarian law by
actors in the conflict.
Working in the public information office also granted
me the unique opportunity of participating in the Force
Commander’s travels which formed part of the Good
Offices work across the DRC. I had the chance to participate
in several key leader engagement missions in North Kivu,
South Kivu and Ituri Provinces, the areas most affected by
armed activity and where the Force had projected presence.
Being among a handful of Swahili speaking staff officers
within the Force Headquarters, I often helped with the
English – Swahili translations during these engagements.
Speaking of Swahili, I also had the opportunity to take
part in several fact finding inquiries that touched on the
local population and where key witnesses could only
communicate in the language besides their local dialects.
The most memorable being in the aftermath of the attack
Allegedly conducted by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)
in Semuliki Forward Operating Base in which Tanzanian
peacekeepers lost lives; the worst in the Mission’s history.
The findings of this inquiry formed part of the documentary
evidence presented to the UN HQ sanctioned Special
Investigation headed by the former Assistant Secretary
General for Rule of law and Security Institutions, Dmitry
Titov, that looked into series of ADF attacks targeting
peacekeepers within Beni area of North Kivu Province.
The team established that gaps existed in the training and
posture of MONUSCO among other oversights that could
have made the troops particularly vulnerable to these
attacks.
Serving under MONUSCO during such a critical time when
the mission was going through a period of intense change
triggered by the dynamics within its operating environment
and beyond helped enrich my personal experience.
Granted, my colleagues and I in the public information
office working alongside the civilian counterparts did our
best to project a positive image of the mission while flying
our respective country’s flags high.
Majeshi Yetu
21

Kenya Army
Training
By Lt W M Indimuli
The work of trainers is seldom done as it should
be. It is not enough to say do this or do that then
become utterly regardless or forgetful of your
requirements, and the trainees are careful to do
your commands. The trainer has to prepare the
way for their commands to be obeyed cheerfully.
As a Kenya Army trainer, you must be a subject matter expert,
to have prerequisite wisdom to wisely train the will and impulse
of the trainees. Subject knowledge enables you to approach
the tasks with a mild spirit and tact in a firm manner that
instills soldiers with aspirations, and cultivate in them
patriotism, honour and valour.
There are various methods employed to impart
skills and knowledge to trainees. Use of test theories
is a classical method that has been used for quite a long
time. This involves the study of books written by successful
war generals on various combat strategies and concepts. The
trainers teach the strategies and help the trainees execute them
practically in the field.
KDF trainer during
a physical fitness
training session
The trainers can adopt varied
methods of instructions using
different tactics to teach the
trainees.
22
Majeshi Yetu

The instructors and trainees take into consideration the
experiences of others while executing the combat strategies to
avoid making mistakes. Also they take note of the difference
between their doctrine and that of Kenya Army and
carefully adopt those that are of value to Kenya Army.
Employment of fundamental ancient tactics is
another tactic. This basically involves going
‘back to basics’. Since independence, the Kenya
Army and the Defence Forces at large is
known to give attention to matters education
through songs, drills, turn out and bearing
inspections, parades, tough physical
training and weapon proficiency among
others.
Through these tactics, good values of
loyalty, civil prerogative, patriotism
and being apolitical are engraved
in the soldier’s mind and heart.
This must be passed down
to current and future
generations for in
order to have a
professional
Army.
The trainers can adopt varied methods of instructions
using different tactics to teach the trainees. The instructors take
out trainees for map reading, navigation and other classes in
dense forests or hot sandy camps. This breaks the monotony of
indoor learning which helps to refresh the minds of the trainees
by exposing them to different environments.
Lessons from the Kenya Army doctrine are then added
and firmly fixed in the learner’s memory. This method is
advantageous because the impressions made will not fade out
of the mind of the trainee for they are associated with objects
that are continuously before their eyes.
Simplicity entails giving instructions in a manner that they are
easily understood by everyone. The instructions or guidelines
should be brief and said repeatedly.
Mission Command involves sharing knowledge and letting the
trainees draw lessons from the concepts taught. It also involves
the instructor questioning them so as to gauge them what they
learnt from the instructions given, how they arrived to certain
conclusions and why they did not prefer other alternatives to
solve problems at hand. Another critical focal point in this
method is focusing on the possibilities of other challenges as a
result of their choices based on the problem at hand.
Educating for Self-Control is another method for training
civilians to soldiers. This method is used to train soldiers always
to repress their emotions while handling various assignments.
Human body and impulse like vines need to be trained on
proper support systems, run over every stump and brush and
fasten their tendrils upon low support to avoid wasting their
energies to no purpose.
As a Kenya Army instructor, paying attention to details like
the eyes of the boot, meticulous ironing of the combat fatigue
and personal hygiene among other is central. No one qualifies
for great and important tasks unless they are perfect in the
performance of little duties.
Majeshi Yetu
23

A Special
Forces Soldier
on Duty
24
Majeshi Yetu

Special
Operations
Training
By Capt Maranga
Armored Brigade
“The best thing you can give your
men is training.” These are the words
my Commanding Officer keeps on
emphasizing during barazas and
any gathering with his troops.
Training involves imparting skills
to individuals on a particular
subject. This forms the basis of our
military undertakings both within
the confines of our offices and in
the field. A well trained soldier
is a confident soldier who can do
exploits in regards to protecting his/
her country.
Special operations’ training was
introduced to fill the gap in
combating the threat posed by the
enemy in special operations warfare
and at large, asymmetric warfare that
characterizes modern war. These are
unconventional military actions
against the enemy vulnerabilities
undertaken by special designated,
selected, trained, equipped and
supported units known as special
forces or special operations forces.
Special operations are often
conducted in conjunction with
conventional military operations
as part of a sustained military
campaign. Some special operations
are spectacularly directed raids that
capture wide publicity, but others are
long-term indirect efforts with little
or no publicity. No matter what form
it takes, each special operation is an
effort to resolve specific problems at
the strategic or operational level that
are difficult or impossible to address
using conventional measures alone.
Given its unorthodox nature,
special operations warfare is directly
related to other well-known forms
of unconventional warfare such
as terrorism, guerrilla warfare,
and insurgency. Special Forces
are trained to counter such forms
of warfare, using superior tactics,
equipment and mobility which
adopt unconventional tactics out of
necessity.
Special Forces seek to deprive
irregular opponents of the few
tactical advantages they possess by
denying them mobility, sanctuary,
surprise, and initiative. In other
cases, though, Special Forces may
actually conduct guerrilla warfare
or insurgency against conventional
state-based adversaries, for example,
distracting enemy forces from
conventional operations by forcing
them to deal with threats in areas
thought to be pacified or secure.
Special operations must be
distinguished from operations
conducted by “specialised”
conventional military forces - for
instance, airborne and amphibious
units. Those forces are organised,
equipped, and trained to perform
one specific task (for instance
airborne assault, airfield seizure,
or amphibious landing), and they
would require significant time,
re-training, and re-equipping to
conduct another task.
The most significant differences
between special operations forces
and specialised forces lie in two
broad areas. First, it is the scale of
their operations: special operations
are relatively small-scale, being
conducted by companies, platoons,
teams, or squadrons, whereas
specialised operations are mounted
by large units such as regiments,
brigades, or even divisions. The
second area is orthodoxy: special
operations feature improvised and
often indirect approaches, whereas
specialised military operations
feature orthodox approaches in a
relatively direct assault.
To sum up, special operations
warfare differs from conventional
warfare on the basis of three criteria:
the economical way in which the
force is used; different considerations
and calculations on operational risk;
and the characteristics and qualities
of the military forces that conduct
them. The “special” qualities of
Special Forces are a product of their
organisation, training, support, and,
most importantly selection.
Majeshi Yetu
25

CIMIC Diary
2019
KDF’s dentist Major (Dr)
Wambugu conduct a dental
procedure to a patient during
CIMIC week in Rwanda.
Pupils of Vigurungani
Primary School in
Kinango, Kwale County
enjoying water drilled
by Kenya Defence Forces
engineers.
26
Majeshi Yetu

Capt (Dr) Kaindi
examines a patient
during medical camp at
Mangai, Boni.
Capt (Dr) Fanuel Ojwang
attending to a patient during
a medical camp in Turkana.
KDF contingent under
AMISOM distribute food
to Somali locals.
Majeshi Yetu
27

KDF's Major (Dr) Nicholas Muendo attends to Somali citizens during a medical
camp at Dhobley.
KDF troops in Somalia distribute water to Locals in Dhobley.
28
Majeshi Yetu

Lamu Salama
By Lt A N Barasa
Troop Commander, 30SF
Previous years have been a
nightmare to Kenyans living
in Boni and the entire Lamu
County as a result of Al-
Shabaab activities. Memories
of this militia group are
engrained deep in their veins as each of
them is either a victim or a witness to their
terror.
It was brutal, horrendous and breath taking
as the terror group roamed the expansive
Boni forest conducting attacks wherever
and whenever they pleased. Today it is
no longer business as usual courtesy of
KDF troops and the multi-agency teams
supporting the Operation Fagia Msitu
(OFM).
Before OFM, Al-Shabaab could attack buses,
segregate passengers based on religion and
later slaughter innocent civilians who did
not ascribe to their religion. They aimed
at dividing the peaceful people of Lamu
based on religion, something they did not
achieve as the county residents are united
and respect each other’s religion. Muslims
and Christians have refused to be divided
along these lines and continue to support
one another.
KDF troops have played a big role in
ensuring passengers travelling in this
County have no fears by conducting
patrols along the main supply routes
from Minjila all the way to Kiunga and
mounting permanent roadblocks and snap
roadblocks along these routes and they
have been able to deny the Al-Shabaab
freedom of action and movement.
Lamu boasts of being one of the best
tourist destinations in Kenya with local
and international tourists flooding into
the county each day. The number of
flights landing at the Lamu airport have
tremendously increased.
Prior to this, most countries had issued
travel advisories to tourists intending
to visit Kenya when Al-Shabaab was a
menace.
Civil Military Cooperation
activities by KDF troops
ranging from medical camps
and engineering works
to rebuilding roads and
airlifting medical drugs
to hospitals during floods
has enabled immensely
supported the locals.
Troops from Baure FOB help fix a damaged
road section between Baure and Kiunga
Troops from Bargoni FOB
distribute water to Bargoni locals
29
Majeshi Yetu
Majeshi Yetu
29

A KDF nurse offers medical check
up to locals in Baure
KDF troops and the multi-agency teams
have crushed this jinx and the tremendous
increase in tourist numbers shows the
confidence gained in troops conducting
operations in this side of the country.
Sea patrols by Kenya Navy ships and speed
boats have deterred the enemy vessels from
accessing Kenyan waters while the Air
Force and Army aviation have dominated
the skies conducting air patrols.
The invasion of Al-Shabaab drove teachers
away from the schools bringing education
to a halt. This denied the children in
Lamu and adjacent areas their basic
constitutional right to education.
However, this state was overturned by
the presence of KDF troops that have
played a big role in ensuring most of the
schools have reopened. It is great noting
that the government is at advanced stages
of launching a project to build national
schools and a University in the county.
Dispensaries were not left behind either
making access to medical support a
challenge to the locals. These have since
been reopened and locals access medical
care without travelling long distances.
Civil Military Cooperation activities by
KDF troops ranging from medical camps
and engineering works to rebuild roads
and airlifting medical drugs to hospitals
during floods has enabled immensely
supported the locals. Forward Operating
Bases (FOBs) have also been able to offer
limited medical care to locals and dealt
with some emergencies like snake bites.
The LAPSSET project that has its roots
in Lamu County as the Lamu Port (the
largest in East Africa) is ongoing soon to
be lauched. The oil from Turkana will be
piped to this port in Lamu for export.
The ongoing developmental projects will
open up the county to investors and create
jobs for locals hence boosting business
going forward thanks to OFM that has
halted activities of the Al-Shabaab who
previously were notorious and attacked
road construction works to induce fear
and halt such development.
OFM has played a key role in speeding this
development by providing security and
escorting the workers working to and fro
each project in the county. Anyone who is
a threat to development is an enemy of the
state and the multi-agency effort has dealt
and continues to deal with remnants to
ensure no development is hindered.
Every day, soldiers conduct patrols bogged
down in sweat and tired from wearing
their protective equipment which of
course is heavy. They are happy to serve
humanity whenever they hear locals say…
tunawashukuru majeshi kwa kutulinda
… (we thank you soldiers for protecting
us).
Soldiers operating under Operation Fagia
Msitu continue to be steadfast in ensuring
Lamu County is peaceful and free of Al-
Shabaab and will continue doing so until
this mission is achieved. As I switch off
my laptop ready for another night patrol
to discharge my constitutional duty, I
can confidently pen off by saying Lamu
Salama…
30
Majeshi Yetu

KENYA AIR FORCE
Tuko Imara Angani
Majeshi Yetu
31

On behalf of all Officers
and Service members
of KAF, I would like to
extend my greetings and
well wishes to all the members of
the Kenya Defence Forces. The year
2019 has been a very eventful year
for the KDF and more so the Kenya
Air force.
KAF’s role is to defend the Kenya
Air space and our vision is to be
‘A premier Air Force that provides
air defence 24/7’. We take pride in
our achievements and equally note
lessons where we have failed.
KAF successfully hosted the 9th
Association of African Air Chiefs
Symposium here in Nairobi.
The event exemplified the unity
of purpose that defines KAF
implementation strategy in the vision
of Air Defence 24/7. 38 Air Chiefs
from across Africa participated in
the event including representatives
from USAFRICOM. KAF also
participated in a joint exercise that
preceded the symposium, Ex Linda
Rhino 2 and Ex Swift Eagle 2019.
The Kenya Air Force has continued
to support sister Services in
execution of their various missions
by facilitating logistical movements
and troop insertion close to their
objective. The insertion of troops
has been greatly improved by the
introduction of the Huey and Fennec
to KAF Strength.
KAF’s equipment modernization is
in advanced stages with air defence
and new platform programs
ongoing. This will increase
capacity for the Kenya Air
Force in its role and
more so in support
to the sister
Services.
This is key to completion of the
establishment of the Air Defence
Regiment (ADR).
The Kenya Air Force performed
well during the KDF Athletics
Championship with LAB coming
in at first place and MAB second.
We shall continue to improve and
develop the athletes, sportsmen and
women within the Service to excel
not only in KDF but nationally and
internationally. Sgt Hellen Obiri
flew the Kenya and KAF flag high
in London and Doha during the
IAAF diamond league and World
Championships respectively. Sports
bring the people of our Country
together and KAF is committed to
the recruitment and development of
talented sportsmen and women.
We remain vigilant and alert in our
endeavours, being focused in our
mission while ensuring the welfare
of our families is catered for as well.
I wish you all a
joyous festive season
and prosperous new
year 2020
F O OGOLLA
Major General
Commander Kenya Air Force

MAB BMC
Hospital Information
Management System
By Lt Col Robert Oktoi, Senior Instructor - DEFTEC
The healthcare industry is looking towards the
ICT sector to automate services offered as the
demands for better treatment and diagnostic
procedures continue to rise. Big data generated
from patients visiting healthcare facilities
demands for better therapeutic methods and
data analytical tools. To address the big data syndrome, it is
imperative for the healthcare industry to automate services
rendered by adopting hospital management systems to help
streamline regular and complex operations.
Automation points the way to the future of healthcare
technology. Through an effective software product, a hospital
can make significant cuts to operational costs, enabling the
savings to be channeled towards the development of better
facilities and the procurement of advanced equipment.
Hospital staff have a lot of things on their plates. More often than
not, they will have to handle routine tasks such as validating
patient data and organizing a large bulk of information. Using
intelligent solutions to everyday responsibilities enables a
healthcare facility to lighten the workload on staff so that they
can focus on more important functions.
Data in the healthcare industry is important, and hospitals
must see to it that the wealth of information they possess is
well documented. After all, minor errors can cause serious
inconveniences to patients and even trigger legal repercussions.
Such situations will need to be addressed and preempted by an
effective hospital management software. Such systems provide
opportunities for quality, faster and easier medical care with
fewer errors.
Majeshi Yetu
33

Information Flow chart
The system has been
configured in such
a way that the three
modules are able to
communicate to each
other and exchange
information in real
time.
MAB BMC taps on the advantages of
automation to bring on board a webbased
Hospital Information Management
System that will ease access to most of
its medical services to the patients and
staff. The system has been developed and
customized by KDF Software Developers
from DEFTEC as per BMC requirement
specifications. Currently, the system is
in its final phase of development and
customization which is installation,
testing, user training and piloting. This
phase is expected to end in February
2020 before unveiling the system.
MAB BMC Information Management
System being a web-based application can
be accessed from common browsers such
as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla
Firefox, Google Chrome and Apple Safari
on authorized computers connected to
the MAB Intranet. The system can also
be extended easily to LAB, WAB and
FOBs if military connectivity standards
security measures are considered.
The BMC System is based on Bahmni
open source framework which combines
three (3) modules into a single solution.
These modules include the Clinical
module that is used for Electronic
Medical Records (EMRs) and patient
management; the Pharmacy module
that is used for inventory management
at drugstore; and finally, Laboratory
module used for managing patients’ lab
tests recommended by Medical/Clinical
Officers. The system has been configured
in such a way that the three (3) modules
are able to communicate to each other
and exchange information in real time.
For instance, what lab tests and drugs that
a Medical Officer has recommended for a
patient using the clinical module will be
viewed and acted upon at the laboratory
and pharmacy respectively in real time.
The Medical/Clinical Officer will also
be able to see a patient’s lab test results
posted from the laboratory module.
The system also has an inbuilt chatting
34
Majeshi Yetu

BMC medical personnel using the Hospital Information Management System
functionality that enables medical staff to
chat and consult each other on medical
issues while working online.
The system focuses on patient medical
care along with other functionality a
hospital need; from the point when a
patient is registered, vitals captured,
consultation and diagnosis done (OPD
& IPD), lab tests done, and finally issued
with drugs at the pharmacy as illustrated
below. It also has the capability of
admitting and discharging patients to/
from the wards and managing the wards.
The BMC Hospital Information
Management System has an Integrated
Solution able to manage patient
information across registration, point of
care, investigations, Labs, Pharmacy etc.
It also has an Intuitively Design making it
simple to use with minimal training and
offering a flexibility for unique workflows
and processes based on the hospital's
needs. The IMS is not dependent on
internet as it is hosted at the hospital site
and is adaptable to various devices.
Based on the role the system is able to
grant user privileges. Different users
therefore have different access levels. This
ensures confidentiality of information,
integrity of information, and availability
of the system to users based on their role
in the system.
The automation of medical services at
MAB BMC is expected to significantly
reduce hospital operational costs, and
improve the quality of patient medical
care while reducing time wastage and
errors on records. It is also expected that
the system will relieve the workload on
medical staff dealing with bulk patients’
paperwork/records so that they can focus
on more important medical functions.
It has the capability
of admitting and
discharging patients
to/from the wards
and managing the
wards.
Majeshi Yetu
35

Bolstering Kenya’s
Airpower
Kenya Air Force Modernization Program
By Maj Moses Saha
Given the far-reaching impact
of today’s technology, air
power has conclusively
taken a position of
dominance in changing
the very nature of warfare. No modern
war has been won without air superiority
and it is likely that no future war will be
won without air, space and cyberspace
superiority. Hence, it’s a requirement of
any Air Force that seeks to dominate its
airspace to have a strong and a viable
Airpower.
“In the past, our forces and overall capacity
has been small and fairly limited in scope.
Increasing conflicts have compelled Kenya
to review her ability to defend the nation
against more threatening aspects of these
conflicts. In response to these threats, our
Defence Forces has had to expand both
in capacity and capability,” said President
Uhuru Kenyatta while launching the
National Defence Policy in May 2017.
With the Kenyan military active in Somalia
under AMISOM, Kenya has prioritized
enhancing its military might, especially in
the air, for purposes of surveillance, and
capability to support ground troops in
fighting the terror groups gathering just
outside its borders.
Airpower is a critical component and
key to successfully combating security
challenges. Air assets can be utilized
to overcome some of the difficulties
presented by size, austere environment
and limited transportation infrastructure.
Air mobility operations bridge distances,
support rapid resupply of ground troops,
and expand governmental reach.
In addition, airborne Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
provides vital situational awareness. Air
interdiction allows for kinetic operations
covering a broad area while close air
support provides firepower to troops in
contact.
Pre-independence Kenya was not new
to aviation; we had the Royal Air Force
of Britain operating in the East African
region having taken over from the Royal
Navy Air Corps before WWII. The first
military aircraft to arrive in East Africa
was Courdon III which was armed and
operated from Maktau-Taita Taveta,
Kenya from October 1915. It took part in
WWI EA campaign and the British Forces
operating along the East African Coast
used it for reconnaissance and bombing.
Through the years, the British forces
developed military aviation in East Africa
and operated several transport and fighter
aircrafts in the region. At independence,
many of the aircraft were withdrawn
and the few aircraft left with associated
infrastructure formed the Kenya Air
Force (KAF).
KAF has been undergoing a
modernization program since the late
90s. It started procuring and upgrading
aircraft, weapons, associated technologies
and infrastructures. The primary focus
of current modernization and upgrades
is keep up with the changing trends and
emerging threats.
In recent years, KAF has acquired new
aircrafts to boost its operations. These
include medical evacuation, command
and control, air assault, to transport and
as a gunship.
Kenyan government
has prioritized
enhancing its military
might, especially in
the air, for purposes
of surveillance, and
capability to support
ground troops in
fighting the terror
groups
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In addition, KAF acquired attack
helicopters used to provide fire
support for ground forces, escort
transport helicopters used for VIP/
corporate transport, offshore transport,
firefighting, law enforcement, search
and rescue, emergency medical service,
disaster relief, and maritime patrol.
KAF also acquired light combat
helicopters which offer superior airto-air
combat capabilities, and can be
used for other roles such as medical air
evacuations and as a transport platform.
For medium airlift capability, the KAF
has acquired transport planes and utility
helicopters. In addition to the standard
transport configuration, specialized
variants have been developed for
maritime patrol, search and rescue,
fire support & electronic warfare and
ground-attack missions.
Apart from acquisition of new aircrafts,
it is paramount to have an effective Air
Defence System. In tandem with the
KAF mission; to defend the nation from
all airborne aggression, an effective
Air Defence System should be able to
detect an impending attack in time and
destroy it before it reaches the target. It
is with the detection that all actions of
destruction of the enemy are initiated.
The modernization of the KAF radar
system from analogue to digital
platforms has ensured that detection is
achieved well in advance.
The KAF modernization program, is
still ongoing and will ensure increased
air power and surveillance, deterrence,
early detection of enemy threat and
interdiction, precise aerial attacks
and support of ground troops in line
with the Commander KAF’s vision;
A Premier Air Force that delivers Air
Defence 24/7.
In addition, the modernization
program has increased KAF capability
in delivery of relief items in times of
disaster both locally and internationally
and facilitation of transport for KDF
troops and senior government officials
whenever called upon.
Majeshi Yetu
37

Habits to help stay
Safe Online
By Col David Owili
The uptake of computer
technology has increased
in virtually every sector in
the last two decades, and
the military is no exception
to this revolution. The benefits of this
revolution range from improved data
storage, communication and data sharing,
automated tasks, enhanced workflow
process, increased efficiency, agility and
productivity to better decision making.
Technologies like cloud computing,
internet and mobile banking, location
detection technologies etc. are now
widely used. As a result, data stored
on digital devices such as computers,
mobile phones and tablets has increased
significance given the huge requirements
for intellectual property, email records,
chat, remote collaboration, location
information etc. This persistent online
presence has thus resulted to an increased
Cyber hygiene is
about training
yourself to think
proactively about
your cyber security,
it is more about
a culture and
awareness than the
use of sophisticated
tools.
vulnerability to hacking, data leakages
and cyber hijacking. This is a new front of
crime as the cyber space remains a fertile
hunting field for cyber-criminals.
For the modern-day soldier, a
consciousness to cyber security is as
important as skills in weapon handling.
The cyber domain is a constantly
changing landscape and it presents a facet
that can be used by the adversary to gain
advantage. Cyber security is subsequently
critical to the military’s mission success
and is part of the KDF’s risk management
process. This is essential to protect the
confidentiality, integrity and availability of
the military’s information and operations.
It is therefore crucial for personnel to
keep abreast of the latest threats and
trends and constantly innovate in a bid to
stay a step ahead of the adversary. Like in
the battlefield with improvised explosive
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devices (IEDs), the general cyber
space landscape is filled with
ransomware, phishing emails,
social engineering threats and
other forms of malware.
To manage these potential threats,
cyber hygiene procedures should
be adhered to. Cyber hygiene
denotes best practices and
other activities that personnel
can undertake to improve their
cyber security while engaging in
common online activities. Cyber
hygiene is about training yourself
to think proactively about your
cyber security, it is more about a
culture and awareness than the use
of sophisticated tools.
Good cyber hygiene entails
updating software applications
regularly and uninstalling unused
software from your devices. Always
review your security settings, right
from your phone to your personal
computers. Install reputable
antivirus and anti-malware
software. Perform regular data
backups and keep copies of your
data for redundancy in separate
locations such as external hard
drives or in the cloud. Setting
strong passwords for your devices
is also essential and password
management is the cornerstone of
effective cyber hygiene. Change
your passwords regularly and never
share or reuse the same password.
For better protection, multi-factor
authentication (MFA) should be
employed to make it harder for
hackers to gain access to your
device and personal information.
Social media is the most popular
means of communication in
today's age. Facebook, Whatsapp,
Telegram, Twitter, etc. are
some of the platforms that have
revolutionized collaborations
and information sharing. Due to
its popularity, social media has
become a common way for an
adversary to gather information
on organizations and personnel.
Basic social media practices such
as using strong passwords, nonsharing
passwords, accessing
social media accounts from trusted
devices and signing out afterwards
are fundamental measures to
protecting your identity while
online. As a rule of thumb, privacy
settings should be set beforehand,
and any information you choose to
share online should be thought out
carefully.
Social engineering is the use of
psychological tricks on personnel
to manipulate them into revealing
confidential information. It is the
foundation of most scams and
fraud. Emails tagged as recruitment
exercises and fake business
opportunities are part of the net
of phishing emails. Typically,
phishing emails pretend to be from
legitimate organization that the
target may have been interacting
with. The goal of phishing emails is
to get the victim to enter personal
information that may be used by the
adversary for impersonation. Voice
and phone systems may also be
used as a medium instead of email
to collect personal information that
may be used to access the network,
install ransomware or exfiltrate
data.
In conclusion, the cyber-attack
vectors and security landscape
is constantly evolving. Just like
physical security, there may be
multiple systems to protect data
and networks but the weakest
link in the fight against cyber
space threats may just be the end
user. Every individual presents a
potential attack vector. If personnel
do not use good operations security
(OPSEC), both behind Department
of Defense (DoD) network and in
their social life, it doesn’t matter.
With the ease in finding information
on the internet, personnel must
be diligent about the information
they share on social media. Every
personnel thus plays an integral
role in safeguarding the security of
the DoD and the nation at large.
The Poppy
By Raqda Sayidali Maalim
Today we’re celebrating REMEMBRANCE. It was
on the 11th of November 1918 that the agreement
to end the First World War were signed.
8.5 million soldiers were lost altogether.
That’s a lot of people with families and loved ones
who were hoping for their safe return.
Then there’s the injured who got back home but
not the same. It was the most devastating war of
its time.
On this remembrance day we acknowledge and
celebrate lost soldiers who put their lives on the
line for the sake of their countries.
We acknowledge the soldiers lost in the First
World War, the Second World War and all other
wars.
As Kenyans we remember Kenyan soldiers
who’ve lost their lives in Somalia.
For the past eight years there have been 4,000
troops in Somalia from Kenya where hundreds
have lost their lives all to protect Kenya’s national
security and to keep us all safe.
Today, we remember them, appreciate them and
pray for them along with their families and hope
for their safe return.
The significance of the poppy is, out of the
landscapes that were ravaged and left devastated,
grew bright red poppy flowers.
Bleakness was highly expected however, resilient
flowers flourished in the middle of chaos
and destruction growing in thousands upon
thousands.
The poppy is a humble symbol of remembrance
and hope.
Majeshi Yetu
39

Defence Industrialization
A Dawning Course
By Maj Ochieng
Kenya is a market economy
trading widely in the
agricultural and service
sectors. The limitation
in variety of sectors for
competitively advantageous trade denies
the country a strong bargaining command
in world markets and in the recent
past, the government has progressively
restructured its tariff, non-tariff and other
trade impediments so as to improve the
ease of doing business.
Traditionally, and as many developing
countries do, Kenya imports a substantial
percentage of defence and security
requirements and defence-related
intellectual property in the form of
design and technical specifications. With
global politics tied to military equipment
supplies and assistance, most countries
procuring defence articles and technology
are usually faced with challenges of
limitations on procurement including,
restrictions in application capacity,
regulations on maintenance and disposal
i.e. end user monitoring, extortionate
prices, and obsolete technologies.
However, the Ministry of Defence (MOD)
is now shifting its focus to the establishment
of an indigenous defence industrial base, a
vital objective for Kenya given its security
environment and strategic objectives. This
has been evident with the diversification
of products being produced by the
Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation
(KOFC), the emphasis on technical
training, i.e. Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM),
the increasing support to Research and
Development (R&D), and the proposed
enhancement of Defence Forces Technical
College (DEFTEC) to be a research
center of excellence equipped with
defence laboratories, to supply scientific
and technical expertise especially for
classified Research and Development and
innovations.
The intention of the establishment
of the defence industry is to enable
the country develop an ability to
locally manufacture its defence and
security requirements, supported by an
internationally competitive, innovative
and environmentally sustainable
industrial base that will ensure capacity
for self-reliant production of selected
defence capabilities with the employment
of dual use technology where applicable.
The achievement of this will provide
the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and
other security organs and agencies with
the ability to acquire locally produced
materiel it needs at best value for money,
and shift from acquisition by buying to
acquisition by manufacturing.
To begin this, MOD intends to utilize
defence procurement to foster industrial
development and enhance the capacity
for local production of capabilities
necessary for achieving the national
defence responsibilities as set out in the
Constitution and the National Defence
Policy. The goal is to develop this in a
balanced and integrated approach to
investment in new capabilities based on
the operational functions.
In this line, MOD overall objective is
to refocus the defence and industry
partnership for self-reliance and
streamline the defence industry
programs. Its focus is on delivering the
defence capability on a more focused and
coordinated relationship between defence
and industry, and leverage on Transfer of
Technology (TOT) as a key ingredient.
It also seeks to maintain and enhance
the already existing skilled indigenous
manufacturing capabilities more so for
the industries whose products are vital for
defence and security needs.
The achievement of
these will also enable
the realization of the
Big Four Agenda
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Majeshi Yetu

The achievement of this will provide
the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and
other security organs and agencies with
the ability to acquire locally produced
materiel it needs at best value for money
H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta being taken through a 3D model of Gilgil Food Processing Factory
The Ministry is looking at transforming
the approach to defence innovation,
refocusing on engaging the industry
and academia and creating linkages
between capability needs, smart ideas
and innovation. This will further
maximize opportunities for competitive
business and developing products of
export potential, and also working with
the Intellectual Property Organizations
(IPOs) to curb external risks of
counterfeiting, theft and espionage.
In order to maintain and upgrade
products over their life cycle, the
Ministry is establishing a sustainable
industrial base with support capabilities
for a continuous and reliable flow of
goods and services from the industry
and developing a range of facilities.
This will further create employment
opportunities and general support to
the national economy.
Majeshi Yetu
41

H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta unvails a plague during the official opening of the
Food Processing Factory at Gilgil
Machines inside the food processing
factory at Gilgil
improve the living standards of Kenyans,
the Vision 2030 which is a blueprint
aiming to transform Kenya into a newly
industrializing, “middle-income country
providing a high-quality life to all its
citizens by the year 2030,” Agenda 2063
which is Africa’s strategic framework
aiming to deliver an inclusive and
sustainable development, and the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) which is a Blueprint to achieve a
better and more sustainable future.
As such, identified key defence industrial
sectors that MOD initially plans to focus
on, some through collaboration with
both local and foreign organizations
and academia, to achieve development
of defence capabilities include arms and
ammunition production, Defence Food
Industry, Automotive Manufacturing
and Assembly, Aeronautics and Space
Engineering, Apparels Manufacture,
KOFC in Eldoret
Maritime Engineering, General
Engineering, Telecommunication
Engineering, Information and
Communications Technology, Medical
Engineering, Construction Engineering
and Petroleum & Mining.
The achievement of these will also
enable the realization of the Big Four
Agenda which focuses on areas to
In addition, Kenya is a signatory of
regional trade initiatives like the African
Continental Free Trade Agreement
(AfCFTA), Common Market for Eastern
and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the
East African Community (EAC). The
establishment of the defence industrial
base will enable the country take
advantage of the initiatives to boost trade
in locally manufactured products.
Initial focus is, however, in production of
capabilities for a self-reliant defence and
security need than for trade, which can
only be met with self-sufficiency.
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Majeshi Yetu

KENYA NAVY
On Time On Target
Majeshi Yetu
43

3D Model of Kenya
Navy Slipway
Kenya Navy Builds
a New Slipway
By Col Paul Otieno
The Kenya Navy is building
a new Slipway to upgrade
the existing docking facility
designed to accommodate
lesser vessels in length and
and weight.
With ongoing modernization and
acquisition of new vessels at the Kenya
Navy, construction of a new facility was
long overdue as the existing facility had
come of age. This led to procuring of a new
facility that will cater for the current and
future needs of the Kenya Navy to allow
the Navy to dock larger ships.
Once completed, the slipway will enable
the Kenya Navy to achieve flexible docking
and planned maintenance of ships, an
approach that schedules maintenance
works on ships to be conducted regularly.
The Slipway Facility will have two hangars
that will be used to cater for specialized
ship refit, conversion repair, maintenance
and construction requirements and a
Slipway that will provide for docking of the
ships (remove them from the water and put
them on the dry land for maintenance).
The Facility will also include Mechanical,
Shipwright, Electrical and Electronic
Workshops and provision for services and
utilities to support the activities in the
hangers and the Slipway.
The Slipway Facility is expected to be
completed by 2021 and construction is on
schedule.
A Slipway can simply be described as a
ramp/rail on the shore by which ships or
boats can be moved to and from the water.
As the word "slip" implies, the ships or
boats are moved/slipped over a ramp/rails
by way of crane/winches.
The Slipway under construction at Kenya
Navy is going to be amongst the largest
in the Eastern coast of Africa. Similar
facilities are in South Africa (around 80
meters) and Djibouti (a floating dock of
around 50 meters). Kenya will be the 3rd
country to have such a facility in Eastern
Coast of Africa enabling her to establish a
foothold of shipbuilding and maintenance
in the region.
Kenya Navy has one of the best maintained
fleet in the region. With completion of
the Slipway and considering the existing
personnel expertise, Kenya Navy will
have capabilities to maintain its ships,
provide similar services to other Kenya
Government Maritime Agencies as well
cater for regional and international
markets.
Ship building has immense direct
positive impact on heavy industries and
multiplier effect on most manufacturing
ancillary industries It hugely depend on
infrastructure and services sectors in an
economy and has large-scale employment
generation capability. Completion of the
Slipway will benefit the country in many
ways including the tourism industry as
personnel of docked ships will use most
facilities in the region while awaiting repair
of their ships.
When fully operationalized, the Slipway
will provide visibility to and mainstreaming
of KDF’s role in the Big Four Agenda
through creation of employment in the
manufacturing/military industrialization
sector. Besides it will sustainably cater
for Kenya Navy requirements as well as
generate revenues for the Government of
Kenya.
This facility will elevate the Kenya Navy as
an industrialized entity in Ship building
in the region. The facility will also give
support to civilian ships once complete.
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Majeshi Yetu

Kenya Navy Mass Wedding
By Sgt Mukuna
Our Lady Star of the
Sea Roman Catholic
church on 10 Nov 19
celebrated family day
at Kenya Navy Base
Mtongwe church ground with a six
couples mass wedding. The mass
wedding was specially organized to
aid the catholic faithfuls enjoy one
of the Catholic church requirement
which is receiving holy communion
for the married couples. The six
couples were all service members
from the Kenya Navy and the mass
wedding was officiated by four fathers
from Diocese of Mombasa, Nairobi
and Kisumu hosted by Major (Fr.)
Francis Bwaga.
During the service, the sermon was
led by Major (Fr.) Sammy Irungu
of Kahawa Garrison who has roots
from the Kenya Navy where he was
born and raised. He also doubled
the work by uniting the couples
during the mass wedding exchange
of the vows at the church. During the
sermon, Major (Fr.) Irungu urged the
new weds to seek the face of God in
marriage, seek divine intervention
and be prayerful at all times since
there are many matrimonial hurdles
and temptations. The priest said he
was happy to be invited back home
where he was shaped up to become
a priest and therefore urged all to
look back to their roots, be proudly
associated with them and help build
work of God at all costs as sign of
giving back to the society.
The host, Major (Fr.) Bwaga thanked
the newly wedded couples for making
the right decision of solemnizing their
marriage and being an example to
other church faithfuls. He noted that
this special occasion, mass wedding,
came at a good time when the church
was celebrating family day.
Commander KNB Mtongwe
Brigadier Jimson Mutai the church
patron urged the service members
and their families to heed to the
teachings of the scripture as taught
by the chaplaincy in order to ensure
peaceful and harmonious marriage.
He challenged those who have not
solemnized theirs to do so which is
one of the requirement of the catholic
church.
The family day attracted a big
number of the faithfuls from the
military fraternity and families of
the couples. The day was concluded
with sumptuous dinner coupled
with series of entertainment where
attendants joined the church choir
and the bridal party for rhythmical
tunes and wonderful dances. Finally,
the patron led the faithful’s in cake
cutting moment to commemorate the
family day.
Majeshi Yetu
45

Mashujaa Day
- The Sailor's Moment -
By Sgt Mukuna
The military is well known
for its thorough preparation,
skillfulness and tact in the
execution of military fanfares.
The announcement of the
2019 Mashujaa day in Mombasa, and the
reveal that the Kenya Navy would conduct
a sail past marine maneuvers was as exciting
to the 'mwananchi' (citizen) as it was
thrilling. The expectations were high and
the residents and visitors touring the coastal
county were upbeat. Unlike the everyday
celebrations that involved parades matching
and the brass band playing the tattoo, this
involved a sail past ceremony, synchronized
by air maneuvers, all complementing the
matching boots at the Mama Ngina drive.
The first group to start their preparations
were the matching soldiers displayed
flawless and well synchronized steps and
movement, as required in producing laser
perfect parades. For a period of a month
and half, the ground was marked to the
exact foot lengths a soldier would make,
calibrated paces and well determined turns.
Only armed with the foreknowledge that
the head of state would arrive at 1130am,
the parade experts calculated their time
backwards such that the President would
find a formed up and ready to inspect
parade. The calculations involved speeches
their estimated lengths, and any other
activities.
Their kits were tailored and adjusted. The
boots bulled to high shine, paces were
synchronized and the soldiers were drilled
for the excesses unforeseen, for instance
lengthy speeches or unfavorable weather.
The band was drilled to the finesse of pitch
and tune and the commanders sharpened
for clarity and firmness of voice, including
the pitch and tone that the President should
be communicated with. So thorough is the
parade preparation, and great is the doctrinal
standing of the parade that nothing is left to
chance.
The boats from the special boat unit and the
newly formed Kenya Coastguard Service
took the first precedence in the order of the
maneuver execution. They underwent the
early yearly maintenance; which involved
being dry-docked, and having their
underbellies scrapped off sea-weeds, rust
elements and corals. There were then retro
fitted with spare parts and painted before
undergoing sea trials.
Weeks ahead of the ceremony, the crew
underwent training and practice in handling
the boats. They practiced the maneuver,
high speed turns, stationing, movement in
company and communication checks. They
had to understand that their execution was
timely and acute, and they had to execute all
they had prepared in precision timeliness.
To understand the acme required of them, it
should not be lost to you that by the time the
military commentator draws the attention
of the president on their maneuver, they
have less than a minute to pull the climax
of their stunt. And that, is something out of
the ordinary.
Ships being bigger in size and complex in
operability exceed the amount of attention
and preparation required of boats. Their
conning requires a bridge team polished as
swords a hawk eyed technical department
and the most experienced sea men, and
for the case of gun salute, able and tested
gunners. While their refit and maintenance
is not as constant as that of boats, the
announcement of the involvement of
ships in the sail past triggered some sort
of emergency programme for a short term
effective retrofit.
46
Majeshi Yetu

Warships are not built for beauty or comfort
but for their effectiveness in battle, speed,
firepower among other things.
Warships are not built for beauty or comfort
but for their effectiveness in battle, speed,
firepower among other things.
But for the sail past, the naval guns which
were formerly covered in camouflage jungle
green were kitted with new lively colors.
The critical areas for the ships during
preparation was the fitting of the guns
that would be used to fire the 21 national
salute. This was done onboard KNS JASIRI.
Next was the stationing of ships in sail past
position up to that timely moment the ships
would be expected to be seen, being neither
too early nor too late. Then there is the
issue of safety of all the ships in company,
the speed to be taken across all units, the
factors weighing in on the ships from
without and the unique characteristics of
every ship in relation to the next. Then the
interval of the gun salute, the identification
of the firing ‘start’ point.
The D-DAY was as iconic as already
prepared, but confounded by the thousands
of citizens and the glam and glare of the
camera, the ceremony took both the
military and the civilian population in awe.
Despite the weatherman’s warning of rain
showers, the sun was scorching in defiant
disregard. The ferries and all entry points
were swarming with activity. Huge screens
had been erected. The media was strawn
all over the grounds with every news man
flinching for a flawless coverage of the
historic event.
Dignitaries are arriving. Soldiers are
parading. It was all systems go. The ships
were cast off from the jetty and were slowly
gliding towards the concentration point.
The event was opened with songs and
dances with performances of antique heroic
songs such as “Kenya nchi yetu tunaipenda”.
(We love love our country Kenya).
The performance ‘Ngoma ya Uruasi’ by
a group drawn from Taveta Community
came after a short speech by radio veteran
journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela.
The celebrations kicked off at around
11:30am upon the President’s arrival at
Mama Ngina Waterfront grounds.
The parade commander matched-in the
parade. The President inspected the guard
of honour and took to the dais as the parade
matched-past to salute their Commanderin-Chief.
Past the ferry, the speed boats
cruised in full speed, in flashy maneuvers
and formations. The ships followed, with
the guide ship, KNS JASIRI, firing the 21-
gun national salute. A glamorous sight
followed, ships sailing past, showing colours
and beauty as sailors were aligned to the
sides in salutation to the Commander-in-
Chief. The interface between the sail past
and the air show was as seamless as could
get. The trainers come in first, transport,
attack, VIPs and fighters. The military
show ended in a carefully calculated climax.
A spectacular sea-air show.
This was the sailor's moment. The one
moment of everything at once. And
anything before is nothing. Everything after,
nothing. Nothing in comparison to that
one moment. The hours put to training and
preparation. The days put through drilling.
The weeks lost in preparing the ships and
boats. The meetings synchronizing all
events into one Picasso masterpiece…all
boiled down to that crucial hour. We were
honored to live in it, and to live right.
Majeshi Yetu
47

KDF Progressively
Implementing Somali
Transition Plan
By Capt Said Omar and Sgt Robert Ouko
After the fall of Siad Barre’s
regime in 1991, Somalia
experienced political
instability for lengthy
period of time. This led
to the emergence of War Lords dividing
Somali nationals along clan lines in a
bid to compete for regional and national
resources plunging the country into
endless arms conflict.
The situation manifested itself over a
period of time creating a safe haven
for terrorists both regionally and
internationally leading to the birth of Al
Qaeda affiliated terrorist outfit Al Shabaab
after the collapse of Islamic Courts Union
in 2006.
On 19th January 2007 African Union
Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was
created by the African Union’s Peace
and Security Council with an initial
six-month mandate as approved by
the United Nations Security Council.
AMISOM as a peace keeping mission had
a role to promote national reconciliation
and peace in Somalia.
However, despite AMISOM creation and
deployment in Somalia, Al Shabaab still
continued to be a menace be reigning
havoc on innocent civilians, government
officials, government institutions and
AMISOM Troop Contributing Countries
(TCCs). They not only caused terror in
Somalia but spread it across the entire
East African region with Kenya bearing
the biggest brunt. This led to the launch
of Operation Linda Nchi on 14th October
2011 and subsequent formal integration
of KDF troops under AMISOM in June
2012, making Kenya one of its TCCs.
The Kenyan Contingent was charged with
security responsibility of pacifying Sector
2 and partly Sector Kismayu from the Al
Shabaab threat.
So far Kenya has deployed 8 Contingents
under AMISOM with each of them
achieving great milestones towards
implementing the AMISOM mandate.
Kenya’s AMISOM VIII under the
command of Brigadier Dickson Ruto
took over the mantle from AMISOM
VII in 2019. AMISOM VIII came in at a
crucial time when AMISOM had begun
KDF through its Engineers
continues to expand the Dhobley
– Tabda - Belles Qooqani -
Afmadhow Main Supply Route.
This is envisioned to allow
smooth movement of goods
by businessmen, reduce time
spent for locals travelling on
the road, boost security and
also enhance service delivery by
local administration and NGOs
operating in the area offering
humanitarian aid.
48
Majeshi Yetu

the implementation of Somali Transition
Plan geared towards the gradual transition
of security responsibilities to Somalia’s
security institutions.
In 2018, AMISOM developed a Concept
of Operations (CONOPs) 2018-2021
that provides an effective outline for the
implementation of Somali Transition
Plan. This will ensure AMISOM’s
activities and operations gear towards
attaining the provided guidelines as it
marks the final phase of the AU Mission’s
transition and eventual exit from Somalia,
as part of TCCs quest for helping establish
a peaceful and democratic Somalia.
AMISOM 8 continues to focus on various
areas among them is the rehabilitation
of Main Supply Routes and provision of
better healthcare by offering mentorship
to local medical practitioners. Key
Leadership Engagements by Kenyan
Contingent Commanders at various levels
are an effective tool towards mentoring
local administration and Security
leadership within Sector II. The CONOPs
also entails building capacity of local
security personnel through conducting
joint exercises, improving the education
infrastructure among other developments
on social amenities in form of Civil
Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities
across Sector 2 and Sector Kismayu where
KDF is currently deployed.
Senior Medical Officer at the Dhobley
Level II Hospital Lt Col Wahome Murithi
says that he is happy because KDF has
managed to conduct several medical
camps across the two Sectors.
“Other than the routine Medi-Camps
CIMIC, through our Level II Hospital
at Sector II Headquarters, we continue
to provide a comprehensive treatment
program including surgeries, radiology,
laboratory tests, dental check-ups in
addition to consultancy on various
conditions among them being
malnutrition, hypertension and bacterial
infections,” Lt Col Wahome said.
“KDF as mandated by AMISOM aims
at enhancing peace through provision
of healthcare not only by conducting
medical camps but also training the local
community health workers, midwives and
clinical officers so as to help in capacity
building," said the Sector Commader.
In addition, through AMISOM and
Bancroft International, a key partner in
medical provision in the area, KDF is
able to provide medical equipment and
medicine at the local hospitals to boost
their capability in handling various
medical conditions. "Our collaboration
is in line with AMISOM’s CONOPS
that clearly spells out provision of better
healthcare as one of the roadmaps to
stabilizing Somalia,” added Brig Ruto.
During the launch of the Female
Engagement Teams (the first of its kind in
Somalia) in September 2019, Commander
Sector II Brigadier Ruto said that KDF as
mandated by AMISOM aims at ensuring
that the various engagement activities are
strongly backed by a peaceful environment
as the main foundation.
“Other than the female teams engaging
each other, we also look forward to our
male soldiers continuing to pacify our
Area of Responsibilities in Sector 2
under KDF through joint patrols and
conducting special operations with
SNA (Somalia National Army) and JSF
(Jubaland Security Forces) like we have
always done,” said Brigadier Ruto.
KDF through its Engineers continues
to expand the Dhobley – Tabda - Belles
Qooqani - Afmadhow main supply
route. This is envisioned to allow smooth
movement of goods by businessmen,
reduce time spent for locals travelling on
the road, boost security and also enhance
service delivery by local administration
and NGOs operating in the area offering
humanitarian aid.
As CONOPS continues to be implemented
by TCCs, the collective actions of the
international community to support
activities of AMISOM towards the
achievement of Somali Transition Plan are
welcome to boost and enhance the cause.
KDFs commitment to supporting the
African Union and AMISOM to achieve
lasting peace and stability in Somalia has
not gone unnoticed. As KDFs AMISOM
9 plans to take over in the year 2020,
the objective and focus is quite clear; to
scale the heights even further from the
much that has already been done by their
predecessors as the timeline continues to
fade fast.
These services have been enhanced by the
completion of the new Level II Hospital
in 2018 that provides a conducive
environment for the medical team to
operate and patients, majority of whom
are Somali locals, to receive medical
attention.
Colonel Mohammed Badal Hassan, Brigade Commander Somalia National Army in Lower
Jubba alongside his team pay a courtesy call to Sector II Commander Brigadier Dickson
Ruto at the Sector Headquarters in Dhobley
Majeshi Yetu
49

Book
Excerpts
The Long Journey
to Kismayu
-Kenya Army Book -
By Brigadier (Rtd) Antony Mukundi Ngere
In his early career, he was assigned to
7 KR which was then operating in aid
to civil authority in the North Eastern
region subsequently to the Shifta
Campaign.
In his Military career that spanned 37
years, Brigadier Ngere served in UN peacebuilding
operations in Namibia under the
United Nations Transitional Assistance
Group (UNTAG) and in South Sudan under
the United Nations Mission in South Sudan
(UNMISS). He held a raft of training, staff
and command appointments including
being a Sector Commander in the African
Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) where he
experienced the most challenging events in
his military career.
The task was onerous since the al-Shabaab
had numerical strength at that stage of the
campaign. Having been a trainer in various,
he clearly understood the value of training
as a prerequisite for success in military
operations. He believes that the best form
of training is practical training in field
conditions because it gives troops a near-real
feel of battlefield demands.
He applied this truism as he prepared his
troops for deployment in Somalia. In his
view, the outcome of engagements in the war
front did not disappoint. Kenya’s transition
to AMSIOM came at a critical phase of the
efforts to degrade al-Shabaab’s threat to
regional security.
Come 31st August 2012, the advance from
Afmadhow to Kismayo began and a force
consisting of two battle groups was assigned
to that front. A third battle groups was
tasked to approach Kismayo through the
Lacta belt form Hoosingo via Bula Haji.
According to plan, the movement of troops
on the two fronts was staggered with the
southern approach schedule to commence at
a later date.
The first test came at Miido, approximately
25 kilometres south of Afmadhow. A
determined al-Shabaab had deployed a
well-prepared blocking position using
a combination of fighters and multiple
layers of obstacles consisting of improvised
explosive devices. Going past this point
proved a challenge for the next few days.
The retired Brigadier said the killing of two
KDF soldiers and the subsequent parading
of their bodies in Kismayo town by the al-
Shabaab was one of his lowest moments.
The al-Shabaab had established yet another
major relay line at Harbole but it was
defeated with resounding success, resulting
in the capure of a cache of weapons. However
further south at Janaa Cabdalla, the enemy
put up a spirited resistance.
As their defences crumbled, the retreating al-
Shabaab destroyed the pumping equipment
of the only borehole in the town. This
presented a serious sustenance and health
challenge both for the locals and friendly
troops. This necessitated emergency delivery
A determined al-Shabaab
had deployed a wellprepared
blocking
position using a
combination of fighters
and multiple layers of
obstacles consisting of
improvised explosive
devices.
Will be
available at
the Text Book
Centre
of a repair kit all the way from Nairobi.
Time was of the essence. In the
circumstances, a complementary strategy
entailing amphibious landing on the shores
of Kismayo was mooted. This was to be
conducted by the battle group that was
previously assigned to the Hoosingo-Bula
Haji route. The operation was code named
‘Operation Sledge Hammer’ and involved
intensive joint planning and training of
troops from the Army, Air Force and the
Navy.
It is this meticulous synchronised attack by
ground troops, the amphibious task force
and airpower, which resulted in the capture
of Kismayo on 28th September 2012.
As part of the lessons learnt from this
operational experience, he advises soldiers
to uphold their faith in God and the cause
for which they fight. He also encourages
soldiers to believe in themselves as well as
their leaders and their equipment.
The Soldiers’ Legacy is authored by the
Kenya Army with a rich history and first had
encounters shared by men who have served
in peace and war environments.
50
Majeshi Yetu

The Capture of
Brigadier Mulinge
The Sierra Leone Civil war had
begun in March 1191, when
the Revolutionary United Front
(RUF) led by Foday Sankoh,
with Charles Taylor, attempted to
overthrow the Joseph Momoh government.
Momoh’s government was widely regarded as
corrupt and the President, himself, was seen
as ineffective in handling the affairs of the
country.
It was no great surprise when President
Momoh, himself a former soldier, was
overthrown in 1992 by another soldier,
Valentine Strasser, a 25-year old Army Captain
who established a military junta, the National
Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC). In
quick succession, Strasser’s Deputy, Brigadier
General Julius Bio, returned to the country,
and overthrew him in 1996. Bio’s successor as
President, Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, was
ousted briefly from power between 1997 and
1998 by a group of Sierra Leone Army (SLA)
junior military officers and RUF renegades, but
he was reinstated through the intervention of
ECOWAS.
Chaos and instability had thus been rife for
more than a decade by the time the Lome
Peace Accord was signed on 7th July 1999
between Foday Sankoh and President Kabbah.
...they were
pounced on by
a larger, heavily
armed rebel
contingent that
disarmed the
peacekeepers and
detained all of
them.
The RUF leader, Foday Sankoh,
was to be given an absolute pardon
for all the human rights offences
committed by his faction and the RUF
was to be transformed into a political
party. Economic Community of West
African States Monitoring Group
(ECOMOG) forces were to be rehatted
under an enlarged UN Mission. Also,
the Disarmament, Demobilisation
and Reintegration (DDR) plan,
already taking place unofficially under
the auspice of ECOMOG, was to be
formally handed over to UNAMSIL as the first
undertaking of the mission’s mandate.
Kofi Annan had taken the unusual step of going
on record to emphasise that he did not agree
with the amnesty for war crimes extended to
Sankoh, and I shared the same sentiments. I
was and remain a believer that people who
seize power and cause so much havoc should
not be entrusted to lead even after peace and
security has been restored in their country.
On 22nd October 1999, the Security Council
established UNAMSIL to implement its terms
and undertake the DDR plan. Headed by Major
General Vijay Jetley as FC, the 8,500-force
was, at that time, mainly composed of Indian,
Kenyan, Guinean and Nigerian contingents,
with small components from other West
African Nations.
The emergency of a new rebel group, the West
Side Boys had, however, led to an unravelling
of the peace and, by the beginning of 2000,
Sierra Leone was once more in chaos. The RUF
advanced on Freetown in early May 2000.
As the situation deteriorated rapidly, nearly 400
rank and file UNASMIL soldiers, the majority
of whom were Zambian peacekeepers, were
captured. Also, four Kenyan peacekeepers
were killed following unprovoked attacks by
the RUF in Makeni/Magburaka area.
The number of the captured included,
Brigadier James Mulinge, UNAMSIL Sector
East Commander, who was on his way to
establish his new headquarters in Magburaka.
His convoy was about 70 km out of Freetown
when marauding rebels stopped them,
demanding that Brigadier James Mulinge
meet an RUF commander in nearby village.
Brigadier Mulinge reluctantly went with the
RUF rebels. On reaching, the “designated
commander” they were pounced on by a
larger, heavily armed rebel contingent that
disarmed the peacekeepers and detained all
of them, after ransacking and looting military
and personal effects.
The same rebel group had previously attacked
a Kenyan contingent stationed in Makeni. The
Kenyans fought back and held their ground
during which one soldier was killed and
several injured. UNAMSIL’s hastily planned
and executed DDR exercise exposed the
weaknesses that the rebels quickly exploited.
In Nairobi, we lost contact with our battalion
stationed in Magburaka and Makeni for
24 hours. The only channel of reliable
information from Sierra Leone was through
BBC Focus on Africa news broadcasts.
The CGS instructed me to monitor the
events closely and regularly report back to
him. He instructed me to establish a direct
channel of communication with the CO,
KENBATT5, Lieutenant Colonel Leonard
Ngondi, who sadly had lost direct contact
with UNAMSIL force Headquarters and the
Force Commander.
I finally reached Lieutenant Colonel
Ngondi, in Magburaka who informed me
of his dilemma. He had lost all contact with
Brigadier James Mulinge and with Force
Headquarters in Freetown. The FC was no
longer in touch with his troops stationed in
the middle of rebel enclaves!
Fortunately, Ngondi was able to communicate
with me in Nairobi. He described to me the
chaotic and worsening security situation in
Sierra Leone. I reminded him that he was
responsible for the safety of his soldiers and
for the security of Kenyan military equipment
issued to the battalion. He assured me that he
had what it took to protect his troops and
equipment.
I then instructed Lieutenant Colonel Ngodi
to make a contingency plan for the worst case
scenario if no reinforcement was forthcoming
or failure to receive clear instructions from
the FC. He told me that the rebels were
already surrounding his main bases.
Majeshi Yetu
51

KDF's
Unshakable
By Sgt Faith Mwai
Female Weightlifter
Seargent Addah Odaga
famously known by her stage
name as ‘fire mama’ was the
recent show stopper at the
Kenya’s strongest man 2019
where she emerged second. Being a
female soldier from the 3 Kenya Rifles
Unit in Nakuru and currently deployed
in Somali under AMISOM. She states
that the victory was a great inspiration
for a greater tomorrow and a chance for
her to emerge a winner in her upcoming
competitions.
She said, “apart from the fame that
comes along with weight training, it
has also helped me to improve my
physical and mental fitness.” She has
been training three times a week for
the past 16 years, during off and on
season and on a daily basis when there
was an upcoming competition. An
additional trick she uses is, eating a
well-balanced diet: more of proteins for
energy purposes. This has paid off with
14 awards so far.
Her participation in a sport that is male
dominated is encouraged by Eliud
Kipchoge's `no human is limited`
slogan and in her case 'no woman is
limited`. What a man can do, a woman
can do better.
Like any other sport, weight lifting has
its own challenges as well, in case one
doesn’t lift the weights carefully he/
she might end up sustaining multiple
body injuries. This is also a sport that
most women refrain from, though most
of them love a good body that will
give them confidence, she motivates
others by stating that weight lifting is
one exercise that would improve their
physique, and reminds them that it’s not
a one day affair but a progressive one
that requires sacrifice. She adds, “they
can always start with a lighter weight
and later graduate with time and the
efforts put shall surely pay off.”
She also affirms that striking a balance
between work, family and weight lifting
is quite a challenge though she always
makes sure that she creates time for
everything and priotizes each one of
them in such a way that none interferes
with the other. Her main motivation is
from her family that has always been her
biggest fan, she doesn’t forget to thank
her trainer Mr. George Magara for his
relentless efforts in training her.
Being a KDF soldier, physical training is
a day to day activity and this has really
been a great boost to her physical fitness;
essential to her weight lifting.
No `woman
is limited`,
what a man
can do a
woman can
do better.
Seargent Addah Odaga
‘Fire Mama’ in a weightlighting
competition, 2019
52
Majeshi Yetu