The Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations led by Hon. Fred Ikana on Thursday, May 23, 2024 conducted inspection visits to various Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) installations in Nakuru County.

The delegation which inspected the KDF Food Processing Factory, Kenyatta Barracks and Gilgil Barracks commended the factory for supplying dehydrated vegetables to KDF personnel, other security agencies, Delamare, private individuals, and friendly countries.

The lawmakers encouraged the factory to explore renewable energy options like hydropower and solar power for more affordable and efficient operations. However, they noted with concern that there was encroachment on land belonging to Kenyatta and Gilgil barracks.

In addition, the Committee visited the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K), Lanet Regional Hospital, and the Lanet Military Airstrip in Lanet.

 Established in 2015, NDU- K boasts 24 academic programmes, a student body of over 1,116 drawn from 15 African and Asian countries. Members were told that the university plans to expand its programs, enhance its workforce, and forge wider partnerships.

At Lanet Regional Hospital which was established in October 2022 to serve KDF personnel, their dependents, and provide medical support during operations, Members were satisfied with the progress made and future plans to extend services to civilians on a fee-for-service basis. They commended the hospital's recent deployment of medical personnel to assist during the Mai Mahiu floods.

Finally, the Members inspected the Lanet Military Airstrip whose construction financed by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has stalled.  While acknowledging its potential benefits, they urged the Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) which manages the facility to expedite construction.