National Defence University-Kenya ( NDU-K) recently hosted Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale and the Deputy Ambassador of the United States (US) in Kenya Hon. Marc Dillard, during the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a new infrastructural block at the National Defence College (NDC) in Karen, Nairobi.

NDC is a College of NDU-K mandated to prepare senior military officers and equivalent public servants for higher responsibilities in strategic direction of security and related areas of public service. Further, it enhances Whole-of-Government effort in addressing national security aspirations.

During the ceremony Hon. Duale, acknowledged the immense contribution of the US Government in building and enhancing the capacity of future strategic leaders through exchange of educational programmes that will go a long way in building up expertise and professionalism.

“The new facility is a clear demonstration of the strong relations that Kenya and the US enjoy, which is a critical strategy in strengthening strategic defence infrastructure. This shall go a long way in bolstering our efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region”, said the CS.

While acknowledging the remarkable economic, security, and military cooperation between Kenya and the US, the US Deputy Ambassador Hon. Marc Dillard applauded NDC and NDU-K for its commitment to becoming the regional centre of excellence.

Lieutenant General Juma Mwinyikai, the Commandant NDC, expressed his appreciation for the construction of the new block. He underscored its significance in enhancing the college's capacity to prepare selected Senior Military Officers and equivalent Civil Servants of the Republic of Kenya and their counterparts from allied countries for higher responsibilities in the direction and management of security and other related areas of Public Policy.

The initial phase of the proposed infrastructural project will involve setting up an administration block with offices and a seminar room, a library block, building an ultra-modern auditorium and providing additional support facilities.

The CS was accompanied by the Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Charles Kahariri, National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) Vice Chancellor Lieutenant General Jimson Mutai, among other senior officials from Kenya and the US.