National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) today hosted the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Defence Hon. Aden Duale at Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC) during the graduation ceremony of the Senior Joint Command and Staff Course No. 39-2023/24, held at the College’s graduation grounds in Karen, Nairobi.

JCSC is a College of NDU-K where tactical level Commanders and Staff Officers from the Kenya Defence Forces and allied countries train on command and staff duties that will enable them drive the operations process to achieve favourable strategic, operational, and tactical outcomes.

Speaking during the event, the CS congratulated the graduands for their hard work, commitment and resilience throughout the entire period of the course and urged them to live up to the ideals and aspiration of the College.

"Your successful completion of the Senior Joint Command and Staff Course marks a significant milestone in your military careers. This course represents the pinnacle of leadership and management training in the military, distinguishing those who will become exceptional commanders and staff officers.

Hon. Duale said the academic modules currently offered at NDU-K Colleges have successfully impacted the course participants with requisite knowledge and skills to combat modern and emerging dynamic security challenges as well as supporting national development.

“I am confident that the College has equipped you with the knowledge, skills and the mindset to excel in your upcoming responsibilities," said the CS.

The CS extended his appreciation to allied countries for their continued cooperation in training, saying the collaboration signifies the shared trust and the close ties Kenya has built with many nations.

The Commandant Joint Command and Staff College, Major General Erick Kinuthia appreciated the distinguished blend of participants from the various formations and countries, which he said is a platform for sharing experiences, enhancing synergy and capacity of the participants.

During the ceremony, the CS presented all graduates with certificates and recognized seven outstanding course participants. The awards went to the following officers: Major Cosmas Kamasis (Kenya Army) – Best Overall, Major Faith Mwagandi (Kenya Navy) – Second Best Overall, Major Chance Chembezi (Malawi Defence Forces) – Best Allied, Major Daniel Ongoro (Kenya Army) – Best Peer Rated, Major Michael Njoroge Murima (Kenya Army) – Best in Commandant’s Service Paper, Major Cosmas Kamais (Kenya Army) – Best in Postgraduate Diploma, and Major Archangel Kiwanuka (Kenya Air Force) – Best in Ordinary Diploma.

The course, 39-2023/24, attracted a total of 89 officers of the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel and Major, 68 of whom were drawn from Kenya while 21 are from allied countries namely Botswana, Burundi, Egypt, India, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nepal, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

The CS was accompanied by Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF) Lt Gen John Omenda, Service Commanders, NDU-K Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Academic and Student Affairs, Prof Anne Muigai DVC Finance and Administration Maj Gen Thomas Ng’ang’a, among other Senior Officers.