National Defence University (NDU-K) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Lt Gen Jimson Mutai has underscored the importance of ethical considerations in the use of new technologies in war situations.

The VC observed that unlike in other disciplines where guidelines are provided for ethical conduct, in warfare and particularly in the use of state-of-the-art technologies ethical guidelines may not be easily available and if available, a challenge to execute.

The remarks were made on his behalf by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Academic and Student Affairs, Prof Anne Muigai at Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC), Karen, during its inaugural symposium. The symposium was aimed at promoting intellectual discourse between its students and the faculty with expert practitioners, researchers and professionals in specific areas of academic interest, in an environment different from formal lecturers.

The VC acknowledged the importance of the symposium saying it brings new perspectives from practitioners with a view to broadening approaches that could provide long-lasting solutions as well as fostering culture of critical thinking, a requisite skill needed for officers deployed in operations.

In his remarks, JCSC Commandant Major General Eric Kinuthia thanked the speakers and panellists for sharing their knowledge with the students saying that the symposium will reinvigorate innovation and research so as to unlock the new insights and remedies to the complex emerging security challenges.

Themed ‘Harnessing Technology Advancements in Enhancing Military Capabilities in the 21st Century’ the symposium intended to examine the implication of technological advancements, implications of automated weapon systems for military force in developing countries as well as the security and economic implications of technology-based vulnerabilities.

JCSC is a College of National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K), mandated to develop professional knowledge, skills and understanding for mid-level officers and to prepare them for complex responsibilities in command and staff duties.