Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD

As directed by H.E the President William Samoei Ruto, the opening up of Tumaina - Mirango - Nagum and other security Roads ongoing- at the border of Laikipia and Baringo counties. By the Kenya Defence Forces. This was once a banditry zone. Now a peace haven. Thanks to the Government's efforts.

In April 2027, Nairobi will host the fourth Summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (REAIM), the first to be held in Africa and the Global South. Today, I chaired the inaugural meeting of the Interministerial Steering Committee at Defence Headquarters, bringing together key government representatives to coordinate national preparations. Kenya’s hosting of REAIM 2027 builds on its participation in international efforts to promote the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the military domain. The Nairobi Summit offers an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice in global AI governance and contribute to international approaches to the responsible application of emerging technologies in defence and security. Today’s meeting set the foundation for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to preparations, with effective interministerial collaboration essential to the successful delivery of the Summit. The Summit will bring together global leaders, defence officials, international organisations, academia, industry and civil society. Through REAIM 2027, Kenya will contribute to shaping international approaches to AI use in military domain, while ensuring that African perspectives inform this important global conversation. In attendance were Amb. Phillip Thigo, Special Envoy on Technology in the Executive Office of the President; Maj. Gen. Hillary Kipkosgey, Director-General of the Kenya Space Agency and Head of the REAIM 2027 Technical Committee; officials from the Ministry of Defence, the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, and the Office of the Attorney-General, amongst other representatives.

Following a directive by H.E. President Dr William Samoei Ruto, the Ministry of Defence took over and completed the Ol Moran Police Station project in Laikipia West. The works, which had stalled at foundation level in 2021, resumed in May 2026 and were completed in July 2026. Today, I accompanied the Deputy President, H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, during the handover of the completed facility to the Laikipia County Police Command. H.E the Deputy President also inspected the Sipili- Olmoran road now completed. Laikipia West Woman Representative Hon. Jane Kagiri, Laikipia County Commissioner Duncan Muyesu, local leaders and other stakeholders were also in attendance.

Today, I took part in the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. The event attracted a record 30,700 registered participants from 102 nationalities. I completed the 21km Half Marathon in 1hr 44mins....11mins faster than last year!

As part of the wider Kenya Defence Forces modernization program, aircraft modernisation remains critical. This keeps KDF ahead amidst evolving operational requirements and emerging security threats. Today, we received MD500 helicopters from the Republic of Korea (ROK). This is a product of a unique tripartite arrangement between the Governments of the United States of America, Republic of Korea and Kenya.

This afternoon, joined other leaders in welcoming H.E. the President William Samoei Ruto, who was returning from the 25th COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Harare, Zimbabwe.

This morning, I chaired a progress meeting on the Talanta Stadium, together with Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi. We reviewed the ongoing final touches and on some adjustments to ensure the stadium meets Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards ahead of AFCON 2027. I was joined by Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo, Chief of Special Projects at Defence Headquarters Brigadier Titus Sokobe, and officers from the Kenya Defence Forces. Kenya is ready to host AFCON 2027!

This afternoon had an engagement with H.E. Hyung-shik KANG, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya. The Republic of Korea and Kenya have a solid, mutual and growing, defence partnership and collaboration.

H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto today led the nation in celebrating Kenya’s 63rd Mashujaa Day at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, where I joined him in marking the occasion. Held under the theme “Security, Sports and the Economy,” this year’s celebrations were particularly special as Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Nandi counties came together to host the national event and pay tribute to our national heroes and heroines. Happy Mashujaa Day!

Kenya Defence Forces, Our Northern Star. Our Shujaa

Later today, I joined the President H.E. William Samoei Ruto in laying the foundation stone for a new hospital block at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital in Nandi County. The project marks another important step in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and bringing quality medical services closer to the people. The block will house outpatient services, a pharmacy, eye clinic, laboratory wings, wards, maternity facilities, theatres, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU) and a renal unit. Once completed, the facility will increase the hospital’s total bed capacity to 670, significantly enhancing its ability to serve patients from Nandi County and the neighbouring regions. The Ministry of Defence will oversee the construction. The facility will be delivered by March 2027.

The Eliud Kipchoge Kapsabet Stadium in Nandi County is taking shape, with construction works now 50% complete. I joined H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto during a site inspection visit this afternoon to assess it's progress. The project, is being implemented by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports in collaboration with the County Government of Nandi. So far the substructure works are complete, with the Western, Southern and Northern terraces works ongoing. Upon completion, the 10,000-seater stadium will feature a standard football pitch, an eight-lane tartan running track, three VIP lounges, changing rooms, canopy roof, a ring road around the entire stadium and modern spectator ablution blocks. Scheduled for completion by December 2026, the facility will nurture local talent, support the next generation of athletes and strengthen Nandi County’s contribution to Kenya’s global athletics success.

Today, I joined the President H.E. William Samoei Ruto in Trans Nzoia County for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kitale Level 5 Hospital, alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale. With a planned capacity of 300 beds the facility will expand access to quality healthcare for residents of Trans Nzoia and neighbouring counties. The hospital will feature modern medical infrastructure, including emergency, radiology and laboratory units, prenatal and newborn care units, general and surgical wards, maternity services, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a High Dependency Unit (HDU), general operating theatres and, a mothers’ hostel. Through the Kenya Defence Forces, the Ministry of Defence will oversee and supervise construction in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. We shall complete the facility in 8 months starting now.

Later this afternoon, in Baringo County, I joined H.E. President William Samoei Ruto in laying the foundation stone for Kabarnet University College. The project is being implemented by the Ministries of Defence and Education, with the Ministry of Defence, through the Kenya Defence Forces, providing technical expertise and supervision to ensure adherence to the required standards. Phase I will comprise of an Administration Block, two lecture halls, a Central Library, Student Centre, Medical Centre, Graduation Square, perimeter wall, gatehouse, utility block, access roads, parking facilities and landscaping. Construction is underway, with overall progress at 15% and completion expected in June 2027. The establishment of Kabarnet University College will expand opportunities for higher education and equip young people with knowledge and skills.

This afternoon, I joined H.E. the President William Samoei Ruto, during an inspection of the ongoing construction of the 10,000-seater Kabarnet Stadium in Baringo County. The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, in partnership with the County Government of Baringo. It has reached 29.4% completion, with foundation works complete and terrace installation, pitch development and other civil works ongoing. Completion is targeted for the end of this year. Upon completion, the stadium will provide a modern facility for nurturing local sporting talent, supporting schools and sports organisations, and expanding opportunities for young people. It is also expected to create employment, stimulate economic activity and strengthen social cohesion in Baringo County and the surrounding region.

My 5th stop today was at Kibubung’i Comprehensive School. Laikipia East. With Hon Jane Kagiri and Hon Mwangi Kiunjuri. Because education matters.

My 4th visit today, was at Karai Comprehensive School. Together with Hon Mwangi Kiunjuri and Hon Jane Kagiri.

My 3rd school visit was at Naiturushi Comprehensive School, Laikipia East. With Hon Mwangi Kiunjuri and Hon Jane Kagiri.

My second stop this afternoon was at Kijabe Comprehensive School. With Hon. Mwangi Kiunjuri, MP for Laikipia East, and Hon. Jane Kagiri, Laikipia Woman Representative.

This morning, I visited Ngano Comprehensive School, in Laikipia East. With Hon. Mwangi Kiunjuri, Member of Parliament for Laikipia East, Hon. Jane Kagiri, Laikipia Woman Representative were also present. Because education matters.