Dr Patrick Mariru, PhD

Kenya is leading in space driven enterprise and innovation in the region! Space is the next big thing! Kenya Space Agency (under the Ministry of Defence) is driving this move to exploit Space Economy! We are working to utilize Earth Observation advancement and technology to address our real challenges - on farming, on Forestry, on urban planning, on weather forecasting among other areas. Yesterday, in Rome- Italy, I met our partners in the space eco- system. We engaged with Planetek, an Italian Aerospace Company contracted by European Space Agency (ESA) to implement the first Africa Business Innovation Lab (ABIL) on Earth Observation in Nairobi. Innovators, and those in space eco-system, we into this together!

Held our 3rd Joint Steering Committee on the Bilateral Agreement on the Management of the Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Centre (LBMSC) at the Italian Space Centre, Headquarters in Rome, Italy. Together with Chairperson of the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) Maj Gen (Rtd) Amb. Joff Otieno and Director General Brig Hillary Kipkosgey and other KSA Staff, we held a successful meeting with the ASI team lead by the CEO Dr. Jahjah Munzer and Agency President Prof. Teodoro Valante. We are collaborating with the Italian Space Centre on space science, technology and innovation.

I joined Njonjo Girls High School community in Laikipia County for their Prize Giving Day this morning. Njonjo Girls is a premier national school. The school posted excellent results in 2025- with a university transition of 94% at a mean grade of 8.6. I was received by the Principal, Ms. Winnie Wainaina, and joined by education stakeholders and the wider school community. I wish the entire Njonjo Girls High School fraternity continued success in the years ahead.

Today, I accompanied H.E the President, Dr. William Ruto, on a project inspection of Thika Stadium project, Kiambu County. The Ministry of Defence, through the Kenya Defence Forces is supervising construction of a new 10,000 seater stadium in Thika. Once completed, in under 9 months, the stadium will serve as an important hub for sporting activities and community engagement in the region. GovnKimani Wamatangi, Kiambu County Governor; Hon. Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary for Sports; Mr. Elijah Mwangi, Principal Secretary Sports; Hon. Alice Ng’ang’a, area MP, and other national and local leaders were also present.

The Ministry of Ministry through KDF is working round the clock in readiness for Kenya to host the June 2026 Africa–France Summit at the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC), the first to be held in an English-speaking country. I affirmed this commitment during my appearance before the Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife today at Bunge Towers, where I provided a status update on the project. The engagement with the Committee, chaired by Hon. Japhet Mbiuki, Member of Parliament for Tharaka Nithi Constituency, provided an opportunity to highlight progress on this flagship national project and outline the key milestones ahead. The BICC project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, alongside other key government ministries and agencies. It entails the transformation and upgrade of the historic Bomas of Kenya into a premier, world-class convention facility that will significantly enhance the country’s capacity to host high-level international events. Upon completion, the Convention Centre will accommodate up to 11,000 delegates in a single sitting, positioning Kenya among the leading conference destinations globally. The project, which is being delivered in phases, is currently in Phase One, with works progressing in line with the timelines required to support upcoming international engagements. Beyond the Africa–France Summit, the BICC will serve as a strategic national asset, strengthening Kenya’s competitiveness in the global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. It will attract more international conferences and high-profile events, boost tourism, create jobs, and expand opportunities for local businesses, ultimately reinforcing Kenya’s position as a premier hub for global dialogue, diplomacy, and commerce. Brigadier Titus Sokobe, Chief of Infrastructure at the Kenya Defence Forces, and other senior Ministry officials also attended the session.

This morning, I chaired the 5th Ulinzi Health Services Fund (UHSF) Advisory Board Meeting for the third quarter of the Financial Year 2025/2026 at the Defence Headquarters, where we reviewed the Fund’s performance and progress in supporting the delivery of quality healthcare services to Civil Servants and their dependants at Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) hospital facilities. UHSF is an innovative instrument that opens up premier KDF hospitals to civilians (civil servants) and their dependants. The revenue generated therefrom is then applied to resourcing the same hospitals and therefore weaning ourselves off exchequer support.

This morning, at the Defence Headquarters, I met with Mr. Luo Quangyi, Board Chairman of China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) to review progress against key implementation milestones of the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme and fast-track its timely completion. The project remains on course. We aim to protect, restore, rehabilitate, and beautify the Nairobi Rivers Basin. We are transforming Nairobs' rivers basin into a vibrant, green, clean and livable urban space. Key components include social housing, pedestrian walkways, cycle lanes, a new trunk sewer lines, a new wastewater treatment plant, pedestrian bridges, and modern landscaping among others. The Defence Ministry is playing a key role in the design of the project and is leading its execution together with State Department for Housing and Urban Development among other agencies. Senior Ministry and officials from CEEC were present at the meeting.

In commemoration of International Day of Forests, I today led a trees planting exercise at the Lariak Forest, Laikipia County. I was joined by officers from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), both military and civilians and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO). We also had representatives from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Community Forest Association (CFA), Lariak Forest CBO, Kenya Prisons, International Tree Foundation (ITF) and the local community. Together, we planted 10,000 indegenous trees. This initiative supports the Government’s 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme under the National Landscapes and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy. Through the Environmental Soldier Programme, the Ministry of Defence remains committed to this national agenda, having planted over 100 million trees in the last three years, with a target of 50 million trees annually. Later, in the afternoon, I visited Lariak, Gatitu and Chereta Primary schools in Laikipia West constituency. Engaged with education stakeholders on matters education. Joined by the MP Laikipia West as well as MCAs (Olmoran and Marmanet) and other local and national leaders.

H.E the President broke ground for Kidundu Sports Stadium, Vihiga County this afternoon. It's a 10,000 seater facility. It will be done in 9 months. MoD/KDF will supervise the work. It will be delivered on time. On standard. And on budget. H.E The Prime Cabinet Secretary, Speaker of National Assembly and other national and county leaders were present.

Kidundu Stadium starts soon. Groundbreaking is now scheduled. It will be done by H.E the President. Did a site inspection before the event this afternoon. Together with Gov Wilber Otichilo, PS Sports Elijah Mwangi and NGAO team.

Construction of the 10,000 capacity Busia Stadium commences immediately following today’s groundbreaking ceremony presided over by H.E. the President, Dr. William Ruto at Busia town. I had the privilege of witnessing this important milestone alongside other national and county leaders, including the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, and the Busia County leadership led by Governor H.E. Dr. Paul Otuoma. The Ministry of Defence will supervise the implementation of this sports project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, and the County Government of Busia. The project will feature covered terraces, VIP and VVIP sections, players’ changing rooms, hospitality areas, media facilities, and adequate parking. It will also include a standard football pitch, an athletics track with a dedicated jogging track, floodlights, perimeter fencing, and auxiliary training grounds.

It is always refreshing to engage local leaders in Laikipia. On their aspirations. On their concerns. On development priorities. Today, I hosted 500 local leaders at my Laikipia home. Took note of what government has done here, and what needs to be done- moving forward.

This afternoon, at Defence Headquarters, I chaired a consultative meeting on how Defence Cooperation Agreements (DCA) are processed at various levels of government. DCAs are important legal instruments that define defence cooperation and collaborations between countries. The meeting was attended by Foreign Affairs PS Dr. Korir Sing’oei, Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, Chair of the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations & Belgut MP Hon. Nelson Koech, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. John Omenda, ACDF P & L Maj. Gen. Edward Rugendo, and other senior officials from the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Parliament.

I later joined Defence Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Soipan Tuya, for a consultative meeting with H.E. Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri County, at Defence Headquarters, to review KDF supported ongoing development projects in the county. We discussed the construction of a new 150-bed surgical block at Nyeri County Referral Hospital, with works set to commence in shortly. Progress on the landmark Ruringu Stadium is already underway and remains on schedule and will be completed later this year. We also reviewed the development of the 120-bed Mwai Kibaki Clinical Annex, which will be delivered in two phases, with works starting in a month. These projects will strengthen healthcare delivery, expand access to modern sports facilities, and support the growth and well-being of local communities. The meeting was attended by Members of Parliament Duncan Mathenge (Nyeri Town) and Wambugu Wainaina (Othaya), alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Nyeri County Government.

We are delivering a huge housing program for Kenya Defence Forces through an innovative and unique funding model - raising money from the private sector. We have floated bond at Nairobi Securities Exchange. The houses are being done at no burden to the exchequer. And the houses are being delivered within time, standard and cost! Today at Defence Headquarters, I received a delegation from Ministry of Interior and National Administration- Correctional Services, the National Police Service- Public Investments and Assets Management as well as Housing for a benchmarking visit on the Ministry of Defence housing projects. The officials sought to draw lessons from the successful and innovative funding model at Defence. Present during the meeting were PS Salome Beaco (Correctional Services), PS Odede Wagunga (Public Investments), the Inspector General of the Kenya Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja; the Commissioner General of Prisons, Mr. Patrick Aranduh; and the Chief of Infrastructure at Defence Headquarters, Brigadier Said Mohamed Mwacharo, among other senior officials from both Defence and Interior ministries.

Murang’a County is set to benefit from a modern 10,000-seater stadium in Maragua Constituency. Today, I joined Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Soipan Tuya for a consultative meeting with Hon. Mary Wamaua, MP for Maragua Constituency, to advance plans for the upgrade of Gakoigo Showground into the proposed Gakoigo Stadium. The Gakoigo Stadium is envisioned as a strategic sports infrastructure investment that will strengthen grassroots talent identification, nurture athletic excellence, and provide an ideal platform for sports development in the region. It is also expected to stimulate local economic activity and create opportunities for youth and small businesses. Senior officers from the Ministry of Defence were also present for the meeting.

In partnership with the Kilifi County Government, the Ministry of Defence is set to deliver a new 10,000-seater Kilifi Stadium. This morning, I accompanied Defence Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Soipan Tuya, for a meeting with H.E. Gideon Mung’aro, Governor of Kilifi County, to advance preparations for this modern facility, with construction works set to begin shortly. Beyond nurturing sporting talent, the stadium is also expected to spur economic activity, attract fresh investment, and open up new opportunities for Kilifi County. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Kilifi County Government also attended the meeting.

The construction of a 10,000-seater stadium in Voi, Taita Taveta County, commences immediately under a partnership between the Ministry of Defence and the Taita Taveta County Government. The stadium, the first of its kind in the county, will be built to both FIFA and CAF standards and will support football, athletics, and a host of other sports disciplines. The Kenya Defence Forces will oversee the construction works. The Voi Stadium is expected to be completed within nine months and will contribute significantly to sports and talent development in the region. Today, I took part in a consultative meeting on the Voi Stadium. The meeting was jointly chaired by the Defence Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Soipan Tuya, and H.E. Dr. Andrew Mwadime, Governor of Taita Taveta County, and was also attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the County Government.

Later in the afternoon, I took part in a consultative meeting at Defence Headquarters on Mombasa stadium. Hon. Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary for Creative Economy, Youth Affairs & Sports, Hon Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Governor of Mombasa County, Mr Elijah Mwangi, PS Sports attended. The meeting was held to concretize earlier discussions on the upgrade of the Mombasa County Stadium into 15,000 seater modern facility. Work will be starting soon. Also in attendance were senior officials from both Ministries and the County Government of Mombasa.