The National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) hosted a high-level delegation from the Global Centre for Policy and Strategy (GLOCEPS) for a strategic engagement meeting aimed at deepening collaboration in research, policy development, and capacity building within the defence and security sector.
The engagement marked a significant step in strengthening institutional linkages between academia and policy think tanks, reinforcing a shared commitment between the two institutions to advancing evidence-based decision-making and strategic thought leadership. The delegation was accorded an in-depth overview of NDU-K’s academic, research, and training capabilities, highlighting the University’s pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s defence and security architecture.
As a premier institution of higher learning in defence and strategic studies, NDU-K continues to cultivate a robust culture of intellectual inquiry and research excellence. Through its colleges and specialized centres, the University generates knowledge that informs national policy, supports strategic planning, and contributes to regional and global security discourse.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Lieutenant General David Tarus, emphasized the strategic value of sustained partnerships with think tanks, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders. He noted that such collaborations are central to the University’s mandate of delivering world-class training, advancing research excellence, and strengthening institutional capacity in defence and security.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that strategic partnerships amplify the University’s impact by fostering knowledge exchange, promoting joint research initiatives, and generating innovative policy solutions that contribute to peace, security, and sustainable development 
“This engagement is a purposeful dialogue aimed at identifying concrete areas for collaborations, such as joint research, strategic foresight and scenario planning, executive education support and co-production of policy-relevant knowledge that serves Kenya and the wider region.” he stated. He further reaffirmed NDU-K’s commitment to expanding international and regional linkages that enhance academic excellence and support informed policy formulation.
Major General Joyce Sitienei, Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Centre for Security and Strategic Studies (CSSS), underscored the importance of collaborative engagement in addressing evolving security challenges. She observed that strong institutional partnerships not only advance Kenya’s national security and development priorities but also positions NDU-K as a leading hub for regional and global strategic dialogue.
She added that the collaboration with GLOCEPS would leverage the complementary strengths of both institutions to generate actionable insights, forward-looking analysis, and policy recommendations capable of informing government and institutional decision-making processes.
The GLOCEPS delegation, led by Council Chairperson Brigadier (Rtd) Wilson Boinett and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kenedy Asembo, commended NDU-K for its growing stature as a centre of excellence in defence and security studies across the region. They expressed optimism that the partnership would expand research networks and unlock new opportunities for joint policy research, strategic foresight initiatives, scholarly publications, expert exchanges, and high-level dialogue forums.
Proposed areas of collaboration include hybrid research initiatives, science technology and innovation, security strategy and analysis, as well as dialogue programmes such as symposiums and webinars designed to enrich professional discourse in the defence and security ecosystem.
The strategic engagement meeting forms part of the University’s broader agenda to forge impactful partnerships that enhance its academic influence, strengthen research output, and reinforce its contribution to national, regional, and global security and development.