National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) held a medical outreach programme at Dundori Vocational Training Centre as part of a month-long series of activities marking the university’s fifth anniversary celebrations. The initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to community engagement and highlights the milestone achieved during its five years of existence.

The medical camp is aligned with NDU-K’s mandate of community outreach and demonstrated the university’s growing dedication to serving communities beyond the classroom and military training environment. Through the initiative, residents accessed free medical consultations, health screenings, and health education services aimed at improving community wellbeing.

The outreach programme brought together medical professionals from Lanet Regional Hospital (LRH) among other health facilities, university staff, local leaders, partners and volunteers who worked collaboratively to ensure residents received quality healthcare services in a welcoming environment. The exercise also created an opportunity for community members to interact directly with healthcare providers, receive medical advice, and gain awareness on preventive healthcare practices and healthy living.

For many residents who turned up early in the morning, the outreach brought a sense of relief and hope. Families, including pupils and elderly community members, received free medical consultations, screenings, and health education - services that are often out of reach due to distance and cost.

Speaking during the event, the University Vice Chancellor, Lieutenant General David Tarus said the outreach symbolized the university’s desire to touch lives in practical and meaningful ways as part of its community outreach mandate. He emphasized that beyond academic and security training, NDU-K remains committed to initiatives that uplift communities through improved health, education, environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Lt Gen Tarus noted that the university’s fifth anniversary is not only a moment of reflection on its achievements but also an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with surrounding communities. He observed that initiatives such as the medical outreach demonstrate the university’s resolve to remain responsive to societal needs while fostering a culture of service and responsibility.

As part of the engagement, the University also presented learning materials and sports equipment to pupils of Mikeu Primary and Junior School to enhance both learning and co-curricular development.

Residents described the outreach as timely and deeply impactful. Many shared gratitude for the convenience of receiving care close to home, saying the initiative had eased both financial and logistical burdens associated with accessing healthcare.

The outreach not only brought services closer to the people but also strengthened the bond between the university and the community, underscoring NDU-K’s evolving role in promoting wellbeing and inclusive development alongside its core academic mandate.