National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) recently welcomed the Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Fund (NRF), Prof. Dickson Andala, at its main campus in Lanet, Nakuru. The discussions focused on fostering mutual cooperation between the two institutions to enhance research and innovation in national security and strategy.

During the meeting, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Research, Innovation, and Security Studies, Major General William Shume, representing Vice-Chancellor (VC) Lieutenant General Jimson Mutai, underscored the critical role of partnerships between government agencies and non-state actors. He emphasized that such collaborations provide valuable insights and solutions to the increasingly complex security challenges affecting the world today.

Maj Gen Shume reiterated NDU-K’s mandate of training, capacity building, and conducting research and innovation in national security and strategy. He highlighted that progress in these areas is contingent upon collaboration with relevant agencies and fostering mutual learning. Stressing the growing complexity of security concerns, he pointed out the need for a cooperative and coordinated approach to effectively tackle these challenges.

Prof. Andala commended NDU-K’s leadership for establishing the institution as a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence in education and research. He acknowledged the university’s commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s national interests while contributing to the country’s broader development objectives. Expressing confidence in the partnership, he noted that the collaboration between NDU-K and NRF would drive sustainable growth and national development.

The meeting provided a valuable forum for both institutions to share experiences and best practices, enhancing their ability to execute their respective mandates effectively.

NRF is a state agency tasked with mobilizing, allocating, and managing financial resources to support a robust national innovation system. Its goal is to foster knowledge creation and innovation across all fields of Science and Technology to bolster economic growth.

Also in attendance were DVC Finance & Administration Major General Thomas Ng’ang’a, DVC Academic & Students Affairs Prof. Ann Muigai, Major General (Rtd) Patrick Amagola, as well as Directors and Heads of various departments, among others.