Kenya: Spiritual Resilience Through Chaplaincy Doctrine

Military readiness extends beyond physical preparedness and operational capability. It also encompasses the spiritual and moral resilience that enables service personnel to withstand the pressures of military service, sustain morale and remain anchored in their values during peacetime and wartime operations. Within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), chaplaincy support plays an important role in strengthening this dimension of readiness by addressing the spiritual and moral needs of service personnel and their families while contributing to their holistic welfare and resilience. To strengthen this capability, the KDF is hosting a five-day seminar from 21 to 25 September 2026 focusing on the induction and operationalisation of the Kenya Defence Forces Chaplaincy Support Doctrine (KDFCSD). The seminar brings together Service Chaplains, Imams, staff officers and administration officers from KDF Formations to deepen their understanding of the doctrine and support its effective implementation across the Services. Promulgated in September 2025, the KDFCSD provides a standardised framework for the planning, coordination and delivery of chaplaincy support across the KDF. It seeks to strengthen