NAIROBI, Kenya — The Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK), in partnership with the Family Group Foundation, on 28 January 2026 commissioned the Fourth Construction Skills Development Training Programme, dubbed “Tufuzu,” at Embakasi Garrison, reinforcing efforts to economically empower families of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel.
The programme was officially launched by the Commander of the Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter, who said family welfare and empowerment remain central to operational effectiveness and force readiness within the military.
“The operational effectiveness of KDF is reinforced when the welfare of our families is prioritised,” Lt Gen Ketter said. “Tufuzu is a deliberate investment in the future of our dependants, equipping them with skills that translate discipline into productivity.”
The Tufuzu programme is designed to equip dependants of serving personnel with practical, market-ready construction skills, including plumbing and electrical installation, to enhance employability, promote self-reliance, and contribute to national development.
Lt Gen Ketter praised the partnership between MWAK and the Family Group Foundation, describing the initiative as transformative beyond the military community.
“This is a programme of profound national value. It empowers military families, strengthens communities, nurtures youth potential, and contributes directly to the socio-economic fabric of our nation,” he said.
The programme aligns with broader government and defence sector priorities aimed at improving social welfare, skills development, and economic inclusion, particularly for families whose livelihoods are affected by the unique demands of military service.
MWAK Chairperson Grace Kahariri reaffirmed the association’s mandate to empower military families, saying the initiative reflects a sustained commitment to resilience and opportunity within KDF households.
“This programme reflects MWAK’s unwavering commitment to empowering dependants of service personnel. Through partnerships such as this with the Family Group Foundation, we continue to build resilience and opportunity within the military family,” she said.
Kahariri urged trainees to take full advantage of the opportunity, noting that the skills acquired would remain valuable long after the training period ends.
She emphasised that plumbing and electrical installation are high-demand trades capable of opening pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and long-term self-reliance.
Family Group Foundation Executive Director John Wamiri said the programme prioritises quality, safety, and sustainability, with a strong emphasis on hands-on training and competence-based assessment.
He noted that the goal is to ensure trainees graduate with skills that meet industry standards and can translate into real economic value.
“We are focused on hands-on training, safety standards, and competence-based assessment to ensure every trainee exits the programme with skills that meet industry requirements and can support their families with dignity,” Wamiri said.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Embakasi Garrison Commander Brigadier Jackson Lesaiyo, Defence Headquarters Chief of Compensation and Welfare Brigadier Rodah Mwasigwa, senior military officers, MWAK representatives, and service members.
As Kenya continues to prioritise skills development and economic empowerment, the Tufuzu programme highlights the growing role of institutional partnerships in strengthening the welfare of military families while contributing to broader national development goals.
