The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced a major shift in how it treats officers who sustain injuries or disabilities in the line of duty, marking what leaders in the service describe as the end of an era where such soldiers were dismissed and cut off from active service.

The new approach, announced during a graduation ceremony at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) by Brigadier Hussein Amin on Friday, December 5, 2025, focuses on rehabilitation, retooling and redeployment of officers who have undergone life-changing injuries.

The initiative is anchored on a partnership between KDF and KISE, aimed at ensuring that injured soldiers are not pushed out of service but supported to regain skills and take up new roles suited to their abilities.

Brigadier Hussein Amin delivered the message on behalf of Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, explaining that the military was now fully committing to an inclusive system that values the dignity and continued contribution of all its personnel.

He said the shift reflects a deeper resolve within the forces to protect the careers and livelihoods of soldiers who sacrifice their bodies in the line of duty.

“Kenya Defence Forces, in partnership with the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), has embraced the rehabilitation and retooling of officers who get injured in the line of duty, leading to disability. The rehabilitation is meant to help soldiers resume duty,” the message stated.

During the ceremony, six KDF officers with special needs graduated with diplomas in various fields after undergoing rehabilitation and specialised training at KISE. Their graduation symbolised what officials said is now possible for any injured soldier, a second chance to serve.

“In collaboration with KISE, in today’s graduation, we have seen that about 6 soldiers have been rehabilitated, they have been trained, and now they are capable of being deployed elsewhere where they will fit effectively,” Brigadier Amin said.

He emphasised that welfare and inclusivity are now central pillars within the military.

“As KDF, we take the welfare of all our personnel seriously to ensure that even those who are injured or get disability, there is that aspect of inclusivity. What we have seen today is a resolution by KDF,” he added.