The nation is set to honour men and women in uniform as the Kenya Defense Forces prepare for their annual celebration, KDF Day, on the 14th of October at the Moi Barracks in Eldoret.
The event is dedicated to celebrating the valour and sacrifice of the KDF soldiers, both serving and fallen. KDF Day is observed annually on October 14th to remember the day the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) officially launched “Operation Linda Nchi” (Protect the Nation) in October 2011.
The day serves as a reminder of the ultimate price paid by soldiers on the battlefield. Ceremonies around KDF Day include laying wreaths at memorial monuments and honoring troops for exceptional performance in their duties. The observation has been held annually since 2012.
While the official theme for the 2025 KDF Day is not explicitly stated in public announcements, the tone of the activities leading up to the celebration emphasizes community service and outreach.
The KDF Day theme has mostly focused on unity, mission readiness, and the welfare of the military. For example, the 2023 theme was “One force, One mission: Enhancing national and regional security,” and 2024’s theme was “One force, mission ready: Unity in action for national security and development”.
The activities leading up to the 2025 event indicate a focus on demonstrating the military’s dedication to the nation’s welfare.
In preparation for this year’s KDF Day, the Kenya Defence Forces has engaged in community outreach programs in the weeks leading up to the main event, particularly in the Eldoret region, where the ceremony will be held.
The Commander of the Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter, led the launch of a two-day medical camp at Soy Health Centre. The camp provided medical treatment for various ailments, including diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory infections, registering over 1,300 patients on the first day alone. Donations included medication, chairs, chest drawers, and sanitary towels for girls.
A 150-meter-deep borehole was commissioned at Ainopngetik Primary School, providing clean water to the school and the surrounding community and aiming to improve hygiene standards. Donations of fifty mattresses, one hundred bedsheets, and blankets were made to Lewa Children’s Home.
In addition to that, the KDF is repairing a 21-kilometre stretch of the Kamagut road to enhance the movement of people and goods.
On Friday, 10th October, the Kenya Defence Forces carried out a cycling, cross-country marathon of 127 kilometers from the Moi Barracks in Eldoret in honour of fallen heroes.
These outreach programs highlight the KDF’s commitment to partner and support civilians, showing their importance as part of national development.
