The Kenya Forest Service Disciplined Officers Join In Joint Thanks Giving Mass At Holy Family Minor Basilica.

Marching to the site 

Marching to the site 

Rangers making offertory  

H.E. President Mwai Kibaki greets the service commanders on arrival

In this year’s thanks giving ceremony for disciplined officers held at the holy family minor Basilica ‘A new heart, a new spirit, one Nation’ was the theme of reflection. The mass brought together disciplined forces officer and their families from different forces. The mass was presided over by the His Excellency the president of the republic of Kenya, Hon. Mwai Kibaki.  In his speech the president paid tribute to officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty. He said that the government is committed in ensuring that all officers are covered by a medical scheme that shall see families of such officer left cared for.

He said that officers shall be catered for with good remunerations and also proper housing as a way of motivating them as they discharge their duties. He said that the Officers face a lot of challenges as they discharge their mandates in providing security, youth development, rehabilitation of offenders and the environment. The president clarified that through parliament, the government shall ensure various policies and bills aimed at strengthening our security apparatus shall be passed.

The president also thanked the church in its efforts in ensuring that the disciplined forces officers are catered for spiritually by seconding chaplaincy in the services as Pastors, Priests and Imams. He said that their role is crucial as they offer spiritual nourishment and their families.

The KWS Director, Julius Kipng’etich assured the president on behalf of the service commanders that all disciplined forces officers shall continue to discharge their new mandates according to the new constitution that was recently promulgated. The forces shall work as a team in ensuring that all Kenyans are safe and not threatened by the external challenges that bring setbacks as far economic development is concerned. The KWS director who was also the chairman of this year’s ceremony passed on the mantle to the Kenya Police who are going to take charge of the ceremonies in the next two years. The mantle goes on rotation after every two years. 

The celebrations saw the emerging of a strong inter discipline forces choir that entertained the procession. The Choir carries Choirmaster from within the forces. Kenya Forest Service was represented by Mr. Makau Mumo who is a Forest Ranger stationed at Karura. The vigorous dancing children all sons and daughters of the disciplined officers roused the crowd as they matched the tunes from their Dads and Mums in the choir.

 Kenya Forest Service was represented by Commandant, Col (Rtd.) John Kimani, and Head of Nairobi Forest Conservancy, Charity Munyasia, Asisstant Commandant Nairobi Conservancy: Lt Col (Rtd.) Otieno, a marching squad and other Rangers delegated to perform several tasks during the function. The forces use this as an opportunity to give back to the society as they give offerings and gifts which is later distributed to various homes. KFS donated its gifts led by the Commandant.

Report by Vincent Bwire