The Kenya Army has launched its Annual Medical Screening Programme, reaffirming its commitment to preventive healthcare as a cornerstone of operational readiness and long-term force sustainability. The initiative aims to ensure that every soldier receives comprehensive medical assessments, helping maintain a healthy, resilient and mission-ready military force.
The programme was officially launched by Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter, at the Kenya Army Headquarters. Medical screening will be conducted across all formations and units, ensuring personnel serving in different locations have access to essential health services. According to the Army, safeguarding the health of service members is critical to maintaining the capability required to respond effectively to national security demands.
Speaking during the launch, Lt. Gen. Ketter commended the Directorate of Medical Services and Kenya Defence Forces healthcare professionals for their continued dedication to the welfare of military personnel. He noted that routine health assessments enable the early detection and management of medical conditions before they affect operational performance, while encouraging all soldiers to actively participate in the screening exercise.
The annual programme provides a wide range of preventive health services, including screening for communicable and non-communicable diseases, vision and hearing examinations, mental health assessments, nutrition evaluations, physical fitness reviews, health education and counselling. Beyond identifying illnesses, the initiative promotes healthier lifestyles and supports the physical and psychological wellbeing of military personnel.
By investing in preventive medicine and early intervention, the Kenya Army seeks to reduce health-related risks, strengthen workforce resilience and improve overall mission effectiveness. Military leaders emphasise that operational success depends not only on advanced training and equipment but also on maintaining a physically fit and medically prepared force capable of meeting the demands of modern military operations.