By Hassan Bahati

President William Ruto has called for national security to be placed at the centre of Kenya’s development agenda as the country looks beyond Vision 2030.

President Ruto said security and development are closely linked, noting that a secure country creates an environment for economic growth while development contributes to national stability.

The President spoke during the passing-out parade of the first cohort of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruits for 2025 at the KDF Recruits Training School in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

He said Kenya’s national security priorities must evolve beyond the traditional protection of the country’s borders to include emerging areas critical to the modern economy.

“National security must extend beyond protecting our borders to securing our digital systems, critical infrastructure, food and energy systems, our territorial waters and the other pillars of a modern economy,” he said.

The President identified cyberspace, artificial intelligence, climate-related shocks and emerging disease outbreaks as some of the new threats Kenya must prepare to address.

He said the Government would continue investing in the welfare, training and readiness of the KDF to ensure the military remains prepared to respond to both traditional and emerging security challenges.

Ruto said the Government would also strengthen Kenya’s capabilities in cybersecurity, intelligence, maritime security and military medicine.

He further pledged to improve the welfare of members of the KDF and their families, saying those who serve the country deserve dignity and recognition for their contribution.

The President emphasized that the role of the military should go beyond defending Kenya as it exists today and include preparing for the country Kenya aims to become in the future.

“KDF must not simply defend the Kenya of today; it must also secure the Kenya we intend to become,” he said.

The President congratulated the newly graduated recruits for successfully completing what he described as a demanding course.

He urged the graduates to serve the country with courage, discipline and restraint as they begin their careers in the defence forces.

The remarks come as the country engages in a national conversation on Kenya’s transformation beyond 2030, with security expected to remain a key component of the country’s long-term development plans.