The National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) recently hosted the University Chancellor, the President of the Republic of Kenya, and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, H.E Dr. William Ruto, in two of its colleges, when he presided over a graduation ceremony at National Defence College (NDC) and Cadets’ commissioning parade at Kenya Military Academy (KMA).

While addressing the graduands at NDC,the Chancellor highlighted that the graduation accomplishment is a manifestation of the values and principles of the College and a significant belief that sound education, quality training and robust skills development are the pillars of a strong and secure nation.

He noted that the NDC alumni continue to influence and promote the development of organizations and policies necessary to enhance and harness available national capacity. This, according to the Chancellor, allows them to determine realistic and practical ways and means of achieving national objectives through synergies and collaborations across the government and public sector.

The Chancellor urged government Ministries, Departments and Agencies to also continue nominating officers to available NDU-K Colleges,saying this will enable the country to build a critical mass of like-minded senior officials who will contribute to national policy through home-grown solutions at the strategic level.

Prior to the graduation ceremony, the President delivered a high level lecture of opportunity titled ‘Towards a Borderless Africa: Opportunities Presented by The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)’.

At the Cadets Commissioning Parade at the KMA, the President, urged the newly commissioned Officers to leverage on technology, foster community engagement, and implement targeted interventions.

The President lauded the transition of KMA academic programmes from Kenyatta University to NDU-K which will now offer cadets’ a Bachelor of Science Degree in Defence and Security Studies terming it a new chapter in the academic and professional development of military and security personnel. The debut cadet cohort under the NDU-K is set to be commissioned in 2025.

The Chancellor hailed the establishment of NDU-K, saying it is a befitting culmination to a long-held ambition of successive generations of military Commanders who envisioned a platform for enhancing scholarly capacity and integrating it into strategic thinking to keep pace with the evolving dynamic of national, regional and global defence and security.

Present during both ceremonies were Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, National Security Adviser Amb. Dr. Monica Juma, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri, Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, Service Commanders, NDU-K Vice-Chancellor Lieutenant General Jimson Mutai, General Officers (both serving and retired), and military officials, and families of the graduating Officers.