The National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) today marked a significant milestone in the celebration of its 3rd Graduation Ceremony at its main campus in Lanet, Nakuru. The ceremony was presided over by H.E. Hon. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, CGH, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, who is also the Chancellor of NDU-K.

During the event, President Ruto conferred degrees and diplomas on 556 graduates from NDU-K’s constituent colleges, various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as senior military officers from allied nations.

In his speech, the President noted that the graduation was a manifestation of the values and principles of the University and its colleges, and a testament to the firm belief that sound education and robust skills development are the pillars of a strong and secure nation.

The Chancellor applauded the immense contribution the University is making to the nation through the provision of data-driven solutions that directly impact the national security and policy environment. He observed that NDU-K has emerged as a research and academic giant capable of undertaking sensitive research with far-reaching implications for security and socio-economic development.

He expressed confidence that, through research, innovation, and technology at NDU-K, the nation would enhance its resilience in a dynamic security environment, thereby securing national development and prosperity.

Further, the President emphasized the importance of the University’s noble initiative in developing capstone programmes on national security and ethics, noting that such programmes foster a collective understanding of the ever-evolving security landscape and ensure coherence in policy formulation and implementation across government agencies.

In her address, the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, appreciated that NDU-K continues to play a central role in advancing the Ministry of Defence’s vision of nurturing resilient, ethical, and visionary leaders for the defence and security sector. She noted that, through its seven colleges, NDU-K has been instrumental in developing strategic thinkers, policy experts, and leaders capable of addressing complex security challenges both at home and across the globe.

The Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, who is also the Chairperson of the NDU-K Council, expressed pride in this new chapter of the institution’s illustrious journey. He added that NDU-K continues to fulfil its founding vision of being a hub of intellectual growth, professional discipline, and ethical leadership. The knowledge and skills acquired here, he said, equip graduates to confront emerging security and policy challenges with clarity, foresight, and integrity.

On his part, the Vice-Chancellor NDU-K, Lieutenant General David Tarus, reiterated the University’s immense strides in strengthening its academic and institutional foundations through deepening existing collaborations, forging new ones, expanding its research footprint, and integrating emerging technologies and innovation into the teaching and learning environment.

The day’s celebrations was attended by Principal Secretaries, the Vice-Chief of the Defence Forces, Service Commanders, serving and retired General Officers, senior officers, NDU-K faculty and staff, as well as families and friends of the graduates.