The Vice-Chancellor of the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K), Lieutenant General David Tarus, has been conferred with the prestigious French National Order of Merit (Ordre national du Mérite) in recognition of his distinguished service and contribution to the longstanding defence and security cooperation between Kenya and France.

The conferment took place during a ceremony held at the Residence of France in Nairobi and presided over by His Excellency Wadid Benaabou, Ambassador of France to Kenya.

The honour was conffered during a seminar for French Defence Attachés in East Africa, bringing together senior military authorities and representatives of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). Lieutenant General Tarus received the national honour alongside other senior KDF leaders who were similarly recognised with French national decorations.

The National Order of Merit is one of France’s national orders, awarded in recognition of distinguished service. The conferment on Lieutenant General Tarus reflects the enduring bonds between Kenya and France and the continued defence and security cooperation between the KDF and the French Armed Forces.

For NDU-K, the honour also highlights the importance of professional military engagement, strategic defence and security education, and international partnerships in advancing the University’s mandate. Under the leadership of Lieutenant General Tarus, NDU-K continues to strengthen engagement with regional and international defence, security and academic institutions in support of national security and development.

The NDU-K fraternity congratulates the Vice-Chancellor, Lieutenant General David Tarus, on this distinguished honour and recognition of his service.