The Kenya Defence Forces Day is set to be observed at the Moi Barracks in Eldoret.
The event is marked annually on October 14th in Kenya.
President William Ruto is set to officiate the event. He was for the first time seen donning military uniforms on Tuesday morning.
Officials said this was in preparations for the event.
KDF Day was established to honor and recognize the bravery, service, and sacrifices of the Kenya Defence Forces. It particularly marks the anniversary of Operation Linda Nchi, the military incursion into Somalia launched on October 14, 2011, to combat the Al-Shabaab militant group.
The main national event is held at different military barracks or stadiums around the country each year.
It includes military parades, demonstrations, tributes to fallen soldiers, and speeches from senior government officials..
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 had 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, Lt Gen 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.
KDF also carried out a cycling, cross-country marathon of 127 kilometers from the Moi Barracks in Eldoret in honour of our fallen heroes.
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