Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD

Principal Secretary, Department of Defence. GOK.

This is certainly a higher calling!

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

Today, I officially opened the Regional Space Law Technical Advisory Mission for the African Region at the Luigi Broglio Space Centre in Malindi, Kilifi County.

The four-day mission, organised in partnership with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Italian Space Agency, brings together legal, policy and regulatory experts from 16 African countries to strengthen space governance and regulatory frameworks across the continent.

The platform provides an opportunity for participating countries to exchange experiences, build institutional capacity and explore approaches to developing national space laws and policies that support responsible, safe and sustainable space activities. As space technology advances, sound legal and regulatory frameworks are increasingly important in unlocking opportunities in research, innovation, investment and the wider space economy.

Kenya continues to strengthen its national space governance framework through the development of the Draft Kenya Space Bill and the Draft Kenya Space Policy, alongside investments in expertise and strategic partnerships. Through the Kenya Space Agency, we remain committed to working with regional and international partners to advance responsible space activities and strengthen Africa’s participation in global space governance.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Vincenzo Del Monaco; Director General of the Kenya Space Agency, Maj. Gen. Hillary B. Kipkosgey; Lady Justice Mugure Thande; and delegates from the various countries.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

This morning, I conducted an inspection tour of the ongoing construction and upgrading of Balambala Sub-County Hospital in Garissa County.

The 48-bed facility, comprising 20-bed male and female wards and an 8-bed maternity ward, is being upgraded under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, through the Kenya Defence Forces, whose technical expertise is supporting the implementation of the project.

The Ministry of Defence is working closely with the Ministry of Health and the County Government of Garissa to ensure the project meets the required standards. Currently at 95 per cent completion, the facility is set to be upgraded to a Level 4 hospital upon completion.

Once operational, the hospital will offer essential surgical, inpatient and outpatient services, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and dedicated maternity and newborn care. This will improve access to quality healthcare for residents of Garissa County and neighbouring areas while easing pressure on other referral facilities in the region.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

Today, I joined H.E. President Dr William Samoei Ruto for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Magwagwa Stadium in Nyamira County.

The 10,000-seater stadium is part of the government’s investment in sports infrastructure across the country. It will expand opportunities for sporting talent, nurture young athletes and promote sports development in the region.

The project will be undertaken under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the State Department for Sports and the Nyamira County Government.

The modern facility will feature covered terraces, VIP Lounges, players’ changing rooms, hospitality areas, media facilities and adequate parking. It will also have a standard football pitch and athletics track with a dedicated jogging track

The stadium is expected to be completed by June 2027, paving the way for a modern facility that will serve Nyamira County and the wider region.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

Also visited the ongoing construction of Kisii Stadium to assess the progress of works, which currently stands at 16% complete. Work is steadily taking shape, with formwork and construction of the terraces expected to be completed by December.

The Ministry of Defence, through the Kenya Defence Forces, continues to provide technical oversight of the project in close collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, ensuring that construction progresses as planned and executed to the specified standards.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

Bomet Stadium is about 20% progress. Most of the foundation pillars are complete. Terrace erection starts shortly. We are working with completing it by end of this year as directed by H.E the President William Samoei Ruto.

Defence is supervising work here.

This sunday morning, I visited the site to appreciate progress. Together with Brig Titus Sokobe.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

Today, in Malindi, together with colleagues Principal Secretaries, we held our monthly review meeting chaired by the Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff, Mr Felix Koskei,

The meeting reviews progress made on government programs and projects, strengthens coordination across government agencies and removes unnecessary bottlenecks. We also engage and deal with specific cross cutting matters that require whole of government approach and effort.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

The second stop today, together with colleagues Principal Secretaries, and led by Mr Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, was at Galana Kulalu irrigation scheme.

Currently, 2,000 acres are under seed maize production(two seasons in a year); another 2,000 acres under soya beans, and another 2,000 acres under commercial maize production.

This irrigation scheme is set to expand to upto 200,000 acres as soon as Athi Dam is done - with a storage capacity of 305 million cubic of water.

Soon, as indicated by H.E the President William Samoei Ruto, we shall be a net exporter of food.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

Today, together with colleagues Principal Secretaries and led by Mr Felix Koskei, the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, visited Bura Irrigation Scheme Development Project in Tana River County.

Under a complex irrigation system, the 26-kilometre water canal is delivering 11 cubic metres of water per second to the entire irrigation eco-system. This is in line with the vision of H.E the President William Samoei Ruto to move from rain fed agriculture to irrigation.

Private investment in the entire value chain is already being realized. Over 525 acres are under sugarcane seed production. 85,000 acres for rice, sugar and cotton production is lined up in the upcoming phase. The story is one of transformation, job creation, food security and industrialization.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

Yesterday, joined the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General John Omenda, who chaired the 15th Regular Council Meeting of the National Defence University Kenya (NDU-K) on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, held at the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC).

The Council reviewed key matters relating to the University’s governance, administration and strategic direction, including the strengthening of academic programmes, policy development, research and strategic studies in support of its mandate.

Present were the NDU-K Vice Chancellor, Lieutenant General David Tarus, and the other Council members.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

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.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

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.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

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.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

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!

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

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.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

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.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

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!

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

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.

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

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!

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

Kenya Defence Forces, Our Northern Star. Our Shujaa

[Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD @pmariru]

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.