The National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) has marked a significant milestone in military healthcare training following the successful completion of three specialised programmes by 50 final-year students of the Defence College of Health Sciences (DCHS), a college of the University.

The achievement was marked during the Nurses’ Candle Lighting and End-of-Course Ceremony, which brought together students, faculty, families, friends and partners to celebrate the culmination of the students’ academic and professional training and their transition towards professional practice.

The three cohorts comprise 28 students from the Diploma in Community Health Nursing, Class of 2023; 15 students from the Higher Diploma in Perioperative Nursing, Class of June 2025; and seven students from the Higher Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery (Anaesthesia), Class of September 2024. The students are scheduled to graduate during the 4th NDU-K Graduation Ceremony on 20 November 2026.

The Candle Lighting Ceremony symbolised the nursing students’ transition into professional practice and their commitment to the values of the nursing profession. It also embodied the enduring principles of care, compassion, service and sacrifice that continue to guide nursing practice.

Speaking during the ceremony, NDU-K Vice Chancellor, Lieutenant General David Tarus, congratulated the students on their discipline, commitment and perseverance, noting that their achievement reflected not only their individual efforts but also the invaluable support of their families, faculty, instructors and the wider DCHS community.

The Vice Chancellor underscored the strategic importance of military health services in sustaining the operational effectiveness of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), noting that military personnel often operate in demanding environments where timely and effective medical support is critical to mission success.

He further emphasised that the guiding principles of the KDF healthcare philosophy, “Strategic Health Support for a Mission-Ready Force” and “A Healthy Force is a Combat-Ready Force,” remain central to developing and sustaining a capable, resilient and responsive military health system.

Lieutenant General Tarus also commended the Director of Medical Services (DMS), the College administration, faculty and staff for their continued commitment to excellence in medical education and training.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), Dr. Lister Onsongo, urged the students to avoid complacency and embrace continuous professional development, evidence-based practice, clinical research and innovation to address emerging healthcare challenges.

The specialised training programmes offered at DCHS form an integral part of NDU-K’s mandate to develop skilled and specialised human capital for the defence and security sector. Through rigorous academic instruction and practical training, the programmes equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to deliver quality medical care across diverse clinical and operational environments.