Aden Duale Takes Over as CS Defence

Aden Bare Duale on Monday took over the leadership at the Ministry from his predecessor, Hon. Eugene Wamalwa at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.

Hon. Duale, who becomes the 11th Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Defence since independence, was sworn-in last week by His Excellency Hon. William Somoei Ruto President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces. The swearing in ceremony was conducted after successful vetting and approval by the National Assembly as required by law.

In his remarks, the new CS thanked his predecessor as well as the KDF fraternity and Ministry officials for their warm welcome and hospitality.

He committed to diligently execute his duties and responsibilities in his new office and promised to consult in order to get wise counsel from top KDF leadership to steer the docket to greater heights.

The CS affirmed his commitment to enhance KDF modernization journey for mission readiness saying that global threats have changed over time thus requiring advancement in technology.

“I will participate with the leadership of KDF in the full implementation of our National Security Policy 2021/2030 in order to maintain our status as an anchor State in this region. I will work hard to ensure KDF sustains the high levels of professionalism, loyalty, trust, integrity, discipline and respect that will help us project a positive image of the Force at all times,” he said.

Hon. Duale thanked KDF for the noble work they are doing in the drought-stricken counties where they are supplying relief food and water as well as sinking boreholes.

“I want to assure you that I shall support KDF to attain their mandate in accordance with the Constitution, to defend and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country, assist and cooperate with other authorities in times of emergency and disaster and at the same time deploy troops in any part of the country affected by unrest or instability,” said the CS.

He maintained that he shall take special attention towards ensuring the welfare and morale of KDF personnel in terms of housing, health, terms of service as well as budgetary allocation and approval.

He thanked the outgoing CS for serving with dedication during his one year stint at the Ministry having taken over from Amb. Dr. Monicah Juma in October 2021.

In his address, the outgoing CS thanked KDF and MoD leadership and personnel for their support during his tenure saying the various milestones registered couldn’t have been possible without their valuable input.

He recognized the significant role KDF has continued to play globally in peace keeping missions outside the country making them be endeared in the global community of nations.

Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi congratulated and welcomed the new CS saying they are ready to offer any kind of assistance he may require.

The outgoing CS Hon. Eugine Wamalwa and Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Hon. Peter Odoyo were presented with gifts and accolades by both the civilian and military leadership for their exemplary leadership.

Courtesy KDF