KDF, our Northern Star, our Shujaa

By  Patrick Mariru

Principal Secretary

Ministry of Defence

Every night, the Northern Star has guided travelers through darkness, helping them find direction when the path ahead is uncertain. Its significance lies not merely in its brightness, but in its constancy.

For Kenya, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) embody this symbolism. They are our Northern Star, a steadfast guardian whose vigilance safeguards our sovereignty, whose courage confronts threats to our peace and whose service extends beyond the battlefield to the communities and institutions that sustain our nation.

As we mark Mashujaa Day 2026 under the theme, “Security, Sports and the Finance Sector,” we have an opportunity to reflect on these men and women in uniform whose commitment enables millions of Kenyans to live, work, learn, invest and dream in peace.

We sleep peacefully, often without pausing to consider what makes that peace possible. Their service is a reminder that peace is not accidental, it is protected through vigilance, discipline, preparedness and sacrifice.

The constitutional mandate of the Ministry of Defence, anchored in Article 241 of the Constitution and supported by the Kenya Defence Forces Act, 2012, places the defence of Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity at the heart of its responsibility.

KDF executes this mandate across the land, air and maritime domains through border surveillance, operational deployments, protection of territorial waters and airspace, and responses to emerging security threats.

Violent extremism

In a changing security environment, these responsibilities have become increasingly complex. Terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime, illicit arms trafficking, cyber threats and regional instability demand continuous vigilance, modern capabilities and effective coordination. Through multi-agency operations, KDF works alongside other security agencies and government institutions to address these challenges.

Operations such as Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift and Amani Boni in Lamu and Garissa demonstrate the importance of coordinated action in restoring peace and enabling communities to resume normal life. Yet, the true measure of security extends beyond the absence of immediate threats. It is found in the freedom of a child to walk to school, a farmer to cultivate land, a trader to transport goods and a family to plan its future without the constant fear of violence.

This is why our KDF personnel are deserving of the title Shujaa. Their heroism is expressed not only in moments of confrontation, but also in the quiet, sustained work of protecting the conditions that make ordinary life possible. Like the Northern Star, they provide reassurance even when their work goes unseen.

National security

The contribution of KDF to national security is inseparable from Kenya’s development ambitions. Security and development reinforce each other, peace creates room for economic activity, while education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic opportunity strengthen the resilience of communities. When called upon, KDF brings specialised expertise in engineering, construction, logistics, transport, aviation, maritime operations, medical services and project management to support national priorities. KDF also supports civil authorities during emergencies and disasters, including floods, fires, building collapses and search-and-rescue operations. Its specialised personnel and capabilities can be mobilised to support lifesaving interventions when communities face extraordinary circumstances.

These acts of service broaden our understanding of the military. KDF is trained and mandated to defend the Republic, but its contribution to the nation also encompasses humanitarian assistance, community engagement, disaster response and development assignments.

As we celebrate our heroes, we must remember that military service comes with profound personal sacrifices. KDF personnel may spend extended periods away from their families, operate in difficult environments and face dangers that most citizens will never encounter.

Some have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Our gratitude must therefore extend beyond ceremonial recognition. It should be reflected in the respect we accord service personnel, our appreciation of their families and our collective commitment to preserving the peace for which they serve.

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