On 14 July 2025, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and Student Affairs (DVC ASA), National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K), Professor Anne Muigai, presided over the academic orientation ceremony for the second cohort of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Military Health (BScN/MH 02/2029) at the Defence College of Health Sciences (DCHS) conference room.

DCHS, a College of NDU-K, is mandated to train healthcare professionals and build human resource capacity in medical services in support of national security. The College achieves this through high-quality medical education, research, innovation, and leadership development. The college is co-located with the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital (DFMH) along the Raila Odinga Way in Nairobi.

In her keynote address, Prof. Muigai congratulated the fifteen (15) newly admitted students drawn from the three (3) Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Services for successfully undergoing a rigorous selection process. She acknowledged the significant financial and logistical demands of running the programme and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support by the Defence Headquarters – Directorate of Medical Services. Prof. Muigai reiterated the University’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment and promoting academic excellence.

Also speaking at the event, Brigadier (Dr.) Muithya Ngundo, Chief of Medical Services- Defence Headquarters and Chair of the College Control Board, commended the students for their selection and urged them to embody the virtues of empathy and diligence as they prepare to serve in the military medical environment.

Brigadier (Dr.) Charles King’ori, Chief Medical Officer at DFMH, welcomed the students to the facility, which hosts the college within its premises. He emphasized the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, cautioning students against behaviors that could compromise their professional responsibilities.

NDU-K Director of Examinations, Brigadier Elizabeth Omollo, also addressed the students, underscoring the core values of integrity, discipline, and conscientiousness as essential traits for their success in the programme and in their future roles.

Colonel Margaret Wambui, Principal DCHS, expressed appreciation for the continued support from the university leadership, the Defence Headquarters, and the DFMH administration towards running of the college programmes.

Dr. Stephen Mailu, NDU-K's Registrar Academic Affairs, provided a comprehensive presentation on the academic journey, from admission to learning and graduation. Subsequently, Dr. Duncan Anangwe, Head of Programmes at DCHS, illuminated the specific programme requirements for the students.

Following the speeches, Prof. Muigai was taken on a tour of the college facilities, where she inspected the ongoing construction of the new office and administration block. The two-storey building, now in its final stages, will house the college headquarter offices and a modern classroom to support the growing academic needs of the institution.

The event was further graced by the presence of key personnel, including Colonel John Mnjala, Chief Nursing Officer DFMH; Mr. Dickens Wendo, Deputy Librarian NDU-K; Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Mwaura, Deputy Principal/Chief Instructor DCHS; and Lieute​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​nant Colonel Amos Langat, Head of Examinations DCHS, along with other faculty and academic support staff.