National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) recently hosted staff and students from the University of the Bundeswehr, Munich (UBM), Germany, who are on an academic visit to Kenya.

University of the Bundeswehr Munich (German: Universität der Bundeswehr München) was founded in 1973 as part of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). The University is primarily intended for the academic training of future military officers. It is also open to civilian students depending on available capacity. The university boasts of 197 professors and 656 research associates currently trains about 3,900 students.

The students, who are visiting various Ministries, Departments and Agencies within the country came to NDU-K to seek an understanding of the multifaceted role of KDF within the society. They were keen to comprehend the dynamics and responsibilities of military forces in contemporary global contexts. They were also interested to learn more about NDU-K and establish areas of future partnerships and collaborations.

In his welcome remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Research, Innovation and Security Studies, Maj Gen William Shume, said that NDU-K was gratified by the interest shown by the future German military leaders, on African and Kenyan matters. He hoped that presentations to be presented and interactions generated thereafter would not only shed light on areas of their concern but also elevate interest in more students within the group and those in Germany to enable sustainable partnerships and collaborations.
Prof Dr Daniel-Erasmus Khan, the UBM Head of Delegation, indicated the importance of the visit to UBM students. “By being here, our students get to actualize what they learn in class in a real ecosystem, and get to interact with the real players, bringing ideas to reality. This is a very important opportunity for us. Thank you for your contributions here today”, Prof Khan said.

Other academic instructors who accompanied the delegation of 18 students included Prof Dr Stephen Stetter, Dr Donald Rizmic and Mrs Anna Reuss. CDR Holger Grossmann, the Defence Adviser at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Nairobi was also in attendance

Presentations and interactions were led by the Head of Teaching and Curriculum, Col (Dr) Charles Imbiakha, the Director Legal Services, Col Julius Ngatia, Col Collins Mitoko from Defence Headquarters and Lt Col (Dr) Emmanuel Kondoltiony, the Head of Graduate Programmes.