The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Ogolla officiated the annual Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Sergeant Majors’ seminar in Nairobi to enhance their leadership skills.
A KDF Sergeant Major is a leadership appointment bestowed upon a serviceman/woman who has attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class One (WO1).
They are the senior most enlisted service personnel who act as advisors to various commands.
In the hierarchy, the Defence Forces Sergeant Major (DFSM) is the senior most and highest office among enlisted Service members and acts as the advisor to the CDF on welfare matters of soldiers and their families.
He or she also oversees drills and discipline across all cadres.
During the meeting at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS), Embakasi, the group met under the theme of “One Force, One Mission” with a focused approach towards mentorship and leadership.
The Department of Defence said the seminar brought together the KDF command with the KDF Sergeant Major to discuss various aspects of leadership in order to collectively tackle the existing complex security environment.
Gen. Ogolla addressed the group on leadership in KDF, expectations and policies.
He urged them to develop and master five leadership traits including leadership by example, taking care of subordinates, self-discipline, and calmness during crisis.
Gen. Ogolla further emphasised that the leadership expects every KDF member to be responsible, have integrity and achieve positive results.
“Every time you do things in a normal way, you will only attain the status quo. Put extra effort,” said Gen. Ogolla.
Army Commander Lt Gen Peter Mbogo Njiru challenged the Command Sergeant Majors to reflect on the significance of leadership and mentorship in their role as the custodians of training, discipline, and traditions within the Kenya Defence Forces.
He encouraged the service members’ leadership to embrace mentorship to become role models for the soldiers under their command.
“Demand feedback for tasks and be accountable in your areas of responsibility,” he said.
Assistant Chief of Defence Forces, Personnel and Logistics (ACDF P&L) Maj Gen David Kipkemboi Keter underscored the importance of Sergeant Majors in developing the military as a whole.
This, he said, helps in shaping the young Officers and service members through inculcating in them the knowledge required of them to be good soldiers.
“The profession of arms is special in its role and the sensitivity of the task to defend the country,” he said.
Guest speakers at the seminar included retired Defence Sergeant Majors.