The National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) in partnership with the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), recently conducted the inaugural course on National Security Awareness in Public Health Practice at the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Karen, Nairobi.

The National Security Awareness program was developed by the NDU-K to address the need for a common understanding among Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Counties (MDACs) on MDACs to conduct their constitutional mandate's without compromising the security of the state.

In his opening address, NDU-K Deputy Vice-Chancellor(DVC) Research, Innovation and Security Studies, Major General William Shume,reiterated the importance of collaboration between the NDU-K, Kenya National Public Health Institute, and Directorate of Medical service (DMS) noting that it will enhance expertise and resource mobilisation to help address complex healthcare issues with a multifaceted approach, informed by diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge.

The DVC added that NDU-K is committed to excellence in education, research and service in bolstering force capability and attaining ultimate objective of better public health services delivery for national security.

Director Medical Services, Major General (Dr) George Ng’ang’a, emphasized on the importance course saying it unlocks new insights and solutions to the complex challenges facing healthcare providers and military personnel.

At the same plenary, Board Chairperson,Kenya National Public Health Institute, Dr. David Ndegwa, underscored the significance of collaboration between the two institutions in addressing the multifaceted challenges that arise at the intersection of health and security. He further noted that the training would fully equip participants with requisite expertise to achieve their mandates in their various departments.

The training is aimed at offering the participants a view of the critical role they each play in their everyday working life to keep Kenya,Safe,Secure, Healthy and Economically thriving in an environment of intense competition and threats from states and non-state actors.