National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) held its inaugural graduation ceremony on 16th November 2023 at its Seat in Lanet, Nakuru County. The ceremony which marked a major milestone in the history of the institution was presided over by His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces and Chancellor of NDU-K.

The event saw the conferment of Masters degrees and award of Post graduate diplomas and Diplomas to 167 graduates, after the graduates successfully completed their academic period and evaluation and also after satisfying their examiners and University Senate. Graduates were drawn from National Defence College, National Intelligence and Research University College, Joint Command and Staff College, and Defence College of Health Sciences, all Colleges of NDU-K.

Individual graduates consisted of KDF officers and service members, senior civil servants from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the National Intelligence Service, National Youth Service, Kenya Forest Service, Immigration Department and senior military officers from Burundi, Egypt, Nepal, India, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia.

In his address to the congregation, President William Ruto commended the graduating class for their dedication and commitment to the nation's security. The President expressed heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifices made by the graduates and their families, acknowledging the challenges they faced during their rigorous training.

Highlighting the vital role the graduates will play in the country's defence, the President emphasized the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the ever-evolving landscape of national security.The President stressed on the rapidly evolving landscape of security challenges, highlighting the need for proper security insights and correct mindset.

The Chancellor further noted that for a long time, the popular image defence forces sector and personnel was that was that of deficiency of education and having no time for ideas and higher education. He underscored that the successful graduation of the National Defence University-Kenya has certainly debunked the notion.

“Today the NDU-K has not only proven such a profile inaccurate, it is also demonstrated that our National Defence sector are leaders in scholarship, research, training, and innovation,” he said.

The Chancellor further said that for the Defence Forces to effectively discharge its mandate of defending our nation and contributing to regional and global peace, defence warriors must always be the best thinkers and philosophers in their fields of academic interests.

“The national, regional and international defense landscape has over time evolved and this understanding, demands a strong command of relevant knowledge and analytical skills and a consistent capacity to continuously define, and refine strategic vision to deal with modern security complexities,” he added.

On his part, Defence Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Adan Duale emphasised on the evolving nature of global security challenges, observing that the graduates were the vanguards of a new era. The Cabinet Secretary equally underscored the importance of staying ahead in an era where security concerns transcend traditional boundaries.

Cabinet Secretary for Education Hon Ezekiel Mochogu painted a vision for the future, on the role of education in shaping not only individual destinies, but also the destiny of the nation. The graduates he noted are not just recipients of degrees but bearers of a responsibility to meaningfully contribute to the security sector of the nation.

The Chief of the Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla appreciated the exponential growth the University has undergone in its governance structure, human resource, and academic programs through the chancellor’s wise counsel and offering quality education as is attested by the graduating class.

The Vice Chancellor, Major General Said Farah observed that the University is on a good trajectory offering quality education and research to its candidates, in ensuring they are well equipped with requisite practical skills to deal with security challenges bedevilling the region and the world at large.

Also attending the ceremony were the Defence Principal Secretary, Members of Parliament, the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, Service Commanders, General Officers, NDU Kenya Faculty members as well as family and friends of the graduates.