The 2^nd Vice-Chancellor (VC) of National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) Maj Gen Said Mohammed Farah on 21 June 2023 delivered his inaugural speech to university fraternity at the University Seat in Lanet, Nakuru. This followed a colourful and symbolic hand-over / take over ceremony between Maj Gen Farah and former VC, Lt Jonah Mwangi, on 6 June 2023. 

The VC began by thanking the President and Commander-in-Chief of Kenya Defence Forces, who is also the Chancellor of NDU-K, H E William Ruto, the Defence Council and University Council for bestowing upon him the responsibility of delivering the strategic vision of the NDU-K. He further appreciated the work done by his predecessors, “I applaud the 1^st Vice-Chancellor Lt Gen Jonah Mwangi, and the small team of military and civilian professionals who worked hard to establish and operationalize management, governance organs and instruments of the University. Not forgetting the Transition Committee, who delivered the award of the Charter on 27 May 2021. You have done exceptionally well to implement the extraordinary vision of National Defence University-Kenya.

He indicated that in executing his role, he would take resource mobilization as one of his priorities to ensure delivery of NDU-K mandate. “I will strive to promote and expand the existing capacities and partnerships to enhance self-reliance, and harness opportunities to shape policy and strategy-making discourse within the region. And I will also be the number one advocate of the University.”

Maj Gen Farah further said that his vision is to establish the University as a credible, self-reliant partner offering academic programs, research and innovation, and ingenuity to the dynamic security environment and National development ambitions. To achieve this vision, he shared six areas, anchored on the aspirations of NDU-K Strategic plan, that he envisages will guide the path ahead. These are:

Infrastructure Development and Digitization.

He indicated that this is an urgent and immediate requirement. He said he plans to prioritize the completion and occupation of the University Seat, administration block and staff accommodation as well as the operationalization of the University Enterprise Resource Planner (ERP) system. Thereafter, the roll out of the second phase of infrastructure development will commence.

Enhancing Partnerships, Collaborations and Linkages

Partnerships, collaborations, and linkages at national and international levels are critical for resource mobilization and developing the desired capacity for mandate achievement. He said he would pay particular attention to establishing strong partnerships with development partners who are keen to support NDU-K projects and programs. Similarly, he planned to expand collaborations with relevant organizations, industry, research institutions and academia to enhance NDU-K capacity for mandate accomplishment.

Bolstering Research and Innovation.

The VC recognised that one of the core mandates of National Defence University-Kenya, is to undertake research and innovation. While the briefs he has so far received indicated various efforts to ensure that the University is actively engaged in research and innovation, he noted that the University is yet to make a significant mark in this area. He noted that without proper structure to nurture and identify this potential NDU-K’s contribution to Research and Innovation will be limited.