Waiguru pledges land, jobs for Military Veterans Association in Kirinyaga

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has pledged to allocate land for the establishment of facilities for military veterans in the county, as part of efforts to support their welfare and create opportunities for their continued engagement in socio-economic development.

Speaking during the launch of the Military Veterans Association, Kirinyaga Chapter, Waiguru said her administration would work with the association to identify suitable land and explore opportunities for retired military personnel to put their skills and experience to use.

The Governor disclosed that she had instructed the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Lands to begin identifying an appropriate parcel for the association.

“I have just eight months and hope to sort you out before I leave office. We do not have lots of parcels of land, but we can find appropriate land to start you off,” she said.

Waiguru also pledged to facilitate opportunities for retired military officers in sectors such as security, healthcare, education and state corporations, noting that their professional expertise could benefit both the county government and the wider community.

She said the county would collaborate with the County Commissioner to identify available opportunities and link qualified veterans to relevant assignments.

The Governor said her appreciation of the sacrifices made by military personnel was informed by her upbringing as the daughter of a police officer, which exposed her to the discipline and demands associated with public service.

She noted that the contribution of the armed forces in protecting the country's sovereignty, securing its borders and maintaining national security was often overlooked.

“We take for granted what the military does, especially in safeguarding our borders. We can never say thank you enough for the sacrifices you make in serving this country,” she said.

Waiguru also recognised the sacrifices made by veterans' families, particularly spouses and children who endure prolonged separation and uncertainty during military deployments. She paid special tribute to widows of fallen officers, acknowledging the families who lost loved ones in the line of duty.

She challenged retired military personnel to remain active in community development, saying their retirement from active service should not prevent them from contributing to national development.

In particular, she urged the veterans to use their leadership experience and discipline to mentor young people and support efforts to address social challenges, including alcohol and substance abuse.

“Retirement from active military service should not mean retirement from purposeful living,” she said, describing the veterans as a valuable pool of experience that could be tapped for nation-building.

Waiguru further urged the association to establish strong support systems for its members, particularly elderly and vulnerable veterans, to ensure they and their families could access assistance when needed.

County Commissioner Shufaa Mwijuma Omar welcomed the establishment of the Kirinyaga Chapter, describing it as an important platform for strengthening unity and addressing the welfare concerns of retired military personnel.

Omar commended the veterans for their service and urged them to maintain the cohesion they had demonstrated during their years in uniform. She also challenged National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to emulate their spirit of unity and collective responsibility.

She assured the association of her office's support, particularly in identifying security-related assignments and other opportunities that could benefit from the veterans' professional experience.

Association Chairman Colonel (Rtd.) Joseph Wachira Michi said the organisation was established to provide an institutional framework for addressing the welfare needs of military personnel transitioning from active service to civilian life.

He said its mandate included advocating for retired officers, supporting veterans who sustained physical injuries while serving and strengthening assistance programmes for members and their families.

Michi disclosed that Kirinyaga was among 47 chapters established across the country and had registered 120 members by the end of October, with a target of increasing membership to 250. The association also includes widows of fallen military officers.

He said the chapter's launch provided an opportunity to formally introduce the veterans to county leadership and reaffirm their commitment to contributing to society through community service and development initiatives.

The chairman appealed to county governments and other institutions to consider retired military personnel when filling available positions, arguing that their training, discipline and professional experience made them valuable assets across various sectors.