President William Ruto has praised the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for their growing contribution to national development, saying their work is visible across the country. According to the President, the military has played a key role in constructing roads, schools, and hospitals that connect communities and open new opportunities for Kenyans.
In recent months, the government has expanded the role of the KDF beyond traditional security duties to include the supervision and completion of stalled public projects. The move is part of the administration’s plan to ensure faster and more transparent implementation of infrastructure and service delivery programs.
Earlier this year, President Ruto directed the deployment of KDF engineers to oversee the construction of 70 Level 4 hospitals across various counties. The Defence Ministry, working through the National Development Implementation Committee, is supervising projects in Narok, Baringo, Garissa, Kitui, and Turkana counties, among others. Officials said the goal is to ensure that the facilities meet required standards and are completed on time.
The KDF has also been supporting the rehabilitation of key public buildings and the construction of classrooms in selected schools where contractors had abandoned work. In addition, the Lanet Regional Hospital, initially developed by the military, has been opened to serve both service members and civilians, improving healthcare access for surrounding communities.
Government agencies have praised the military’s efficiency and discipline in executing projects that have long suffered from delays and mismanagement. The Defence Principal Secretary has emphasized that KDF involvement does not replace local labor or contractors but ensures that national resources are used effectively. Local workers are still engaged in construction, while KDF personnel offer supervision and technical support.
The President has framed this partnership as part of a broader effort to bring order, accountability, and speed to public development programs. He said that by working with disciplined institutions like the KDF, Kenya can reduce wastage and deliver better services to citizens.
However, observers note that while the KDF’s involvement in hospital and facility construction is well documented, there is limited evidence of widespread KDF led road or school projects. Analysts view the President’s statement as both recognition of completed works and a signal of the government’s intention to expand the military’s role in national development.
As Kenya continues to rely on the KDF to support civilian projects, the government faces the task of balancing efficiency with transparency and ensuring that military participation complements, rather than replaces, civilian oversight.
By Kenyans