Meet Joel Murage Now, Kenya Army Sergeant Major

New Army Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One ( WOI), Joel Murage during his decoration at the Kenya Army Ngao headquarters on Wednesday

On Wednesday, in a colorful investiture ceremony that was presided over by Kenya Army Commander Lieutenant General Peter Mbogo Njiru, Joel Murage took over from his predecessor, Fanuel Mahebo as the new Army Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One ( WOI).

Others who attended the investiture ceremony of WOI, Joel Murage include Eastern Command Commanding Officer, Major General Juma Mwinyikai, Deputy Kenya Army Commander Major General David Kimaiyo Taurus, and the Kenya Military Academy Commandant, Major General John Maison Nkoimo.

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The ceremony which was held at the Kenya Army headquarters at Ngao House, marked the end of Mahebo’s 42-year career as a soldier.

But for WOI Joel Murage, it was the beginning of his own new chapter in the military having served in the Kenya Defence Forces for over three decades.

His promotion to the position of Army Sergeant Major, WOI makes him the most powerful non-commissioned Kenyan Army soldier in the country today.

Non-commissioned soldiers are the servicemen and women in the military who have not been commissioned. In short, they are not officers.

Kenya Army Sergeant Major Joel Murage Responsibilities

However, here are some duties that a Kenya Army Sergeant Major might typically be responsible for:

1. Enlisted Personnel Leadership: The Sergeant Major serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the commanding officer and other officers within the unit. They are responsible for providing leadership, mentorship, and guidance to the enlisted soldiers in the unit.
2. Training and Readiness: Ensuring that all enlisted personnel are properly trained and prepared for their assigned tasks and responsibilities. This includes overseeing individual and collective training exercises to maintain combat readiness.
3. Discipline and Standards: Upholding military discipline and enforcing standards of conduct and appearance within the unit. The Sergeant Major is responsible for maintaining a high level of professionalism and accountability among the enlisted ranks.
4. Personnel Management: Assisting with the management of enlisted personnel, including assignments, promotions, and disciplinary actions. They may work closely with the unit’s Human Resources or Administration section.
5. Unit Morale and Welfare: The Sergeant Major plays a key role in boosting morale within the unit and ensuring the well-being of the soldiers. This can involve organizing events, providing support during difficult times, and addressing issues affecting soldiers’ welfare.
6. Ceremonial Duties: Participating in various military ceremonies and events, often in a leadership or symbolic capacity. These ceremonies may include parades, award presentations, and other formal gatherings.
7. Communication and Feedback: Serving as a channel of communication between the enlisted soldiers and the unit’s command. The Sergeant Major may relay important information and feedback from the soldiers to the officers and vice versa.
8. Professional Development: Encouraging and facilitating the professional development of enlisted soldiers, including supporting opportunities for further education and career advancement.
9. Safety and Risk Management: Promoting safety awareness and risk management within the unit to minimize accidents and injuries during training and operations.
10. Combat Operations Support: During deployments or active operations, the Sergeant Major may play a vital role in supporting the execution of combat missions and ensuring the welfare of enlisted personnel.

These duties can vary depending on the specific unit and its mission within the Kenya Army. Additionally, the role of the Sergeant Major may evolve with changes in military policies and requirements.

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