General Ogolla: We will focus on modernization of KDF

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] will undergo radical transformation through innovation, inventions, and modernization of equipment, the Chief of Defense Forces General Francis Ogolla has maintained, noting that he wants to leave behind an "effective" force once he retires.

While marking his 100 days after taking over from General Robert Kibicho, Ogolla, a Fighter Jet Pilot, said his success will be judged on how the Kenya defense forces effectively perform their duties, including but not limited to defending the country's territorial integrity.

“In the last one hundred days, I have been able to elaborate on my vision, which has crystalized with the one force, one mission phrase. To be able to bring everybody together, to understand what our role is and focus on the one mission we have; of defending the sovereignty of the republic of Kenya," said General Ogolla.

To evolve with threats to national security which keep changing, General Francis Ogolla maintained that modernizing the military which is strategic in East and Central Africa, is key under his tenure, given several missions the team is undertaking.

“And when we realize that some of the equipment or strategies that we have had some gaps, we modernize to close these gaps so that we are always capable of defending the republic,” observed Ogolla.

On impending recruitment by the KDF, General Ogolla said watertight measures have been put in place to ensure the recruitment is free and fair even as he warned the public against attempts to join the military through the back door.

“I would not want a soldier who has paid his way into the service. How will you serve, how will you defend your country if you paid to join?,” posed Ogolla.

The KDF General who has gone through all the military ranks including serving as Air Force Commander and Vice Chief of Defense Forces, said the KDF will remain unbowed in dealing with the Al-Shabaab threat, noting the commitment of the force to help the Somali National Army neutralize the group in frontline.

Currently, Kenya has close to 2,500 soldiers under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] but a number of them are set to draw closer to the border as the force implements the Somali Transition Plan [STP]. Already, over 2000 ATMIS soldiers have left the country.

GAROWE ONLINE