Newly commissioned military cadets and their families have been urged to exercise caution when sharing photographs from military ceremonies, with officials warning against posting images of personnel in uniform on social media.
The warning was issued on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during the commissioning ceremony in Nakuru, where families gathered to celebrate the cadets’ transition into military service.
Officials advised relatives who take photographs during such occasions to keep the images for personal use rather than uploading them to public platforms.
Officials warn of consequences
Master of Ceremony Senior Sergeant Misango Mbaye told those attending the ceremony that inappropriate photographs shared online had previously resulted in some people losing their jobs.
“Tumeshuhudia wengi wakiweza kupoteza kazi zao kwa ajili ya picha wanazoweka kwenye mitandao ya kijamii,” Mbaye said.
He urged families to celebrate the achievement of their relatives while being mindful of the nature of images they publish.
Mbaye specifically mentioned TikTok, Facebook and X, cautioning against posting photographs showing the newly commissioned personnel in military uniform.
“Tusije kwenda kwenye mitandao ya kijamii kama TikTok, Facebook, X, kuweka hizo picha ikiwa wanavaa sare za kijeshi,” he said.
The warning places particular emphasis on the distinction between taking photographs as personal mementos and making them publicly available online.
Families asked to keep photographs private
Parents and relatives are often among the first people to document graduation and commissioning ceremonies, with photographs later shared with friends and wider social networks.
Mbaye said families would still have an opportunity to take pictures with the newly commissioned cadets but urged them to ensure the photographs remained for their personal benefit.
“Kwa hiyo, kwa heshima kubwa, mkipewa nafasi ili mtangamana na wapenda wenu, kupiga picha hizo na ziwe za manufaa kwenu tu,” he said.
He also reminded parents that the cadets had already received guidance on their responsibilities concerning photographs and social-media activity.
“Kwa hiyo tunaomba wazazi wetu wote pamoja na wale ambao watakuwa wanafunzi siku ya leo, wameishapewa habari, wanajua kile wanachostahili kufanya wajibu ya kutumbia picha zao kwenye mitandao ya kijamii,” Mbaye said.
Social media and military information
The caution reflects the sensitivity surrounding the publication of military-related material online, particularly photographs that can identify personnel in uniform or reveal information associated with military activities.
Social media platforms allow photographs taken at official ceremonies to reach audiences far beyond the families and friends for whom they were originally intended.
For the newly commissioned cadets, the guidance comes as they begin their careers in the military and assume responsibilities that require greater awareness of information shared publicly.
Officials therefore encouraged families to mark the occasion and preserve memories of the milestone while exercising discretion over what is uploaded to social-media platforms.
The warning also underscores the broader challenge facing security institutions as personnel and their families increasingly use social media to document personal and professional milestones.
