The National Defence University–Kenya (NDU-K) continues to strengthen its position as a premier institution and centre of excellence in defence, security and strategic studies, distinguished by its commitment to professional military education, strategic research, innovation and leadership development. Its growing regional and international standing has positioned the University as a platform for advancing knowledge, shaping strategic thinking and developing leaders equipped to navigate Africa’s evolving security landscape.

It is within this context that the University hosted a delegation from the Zimbabwe Staff College Joint Command and Staff Course Number. 39, on a study visit aimed at gaining insights into NDU-K’s academic and institutional practices, exchanging strategic knowledge and experiences, and exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration.

The visit featured deliberations on the nexus between economic development and national security, examining how peace, stability and effective security frameworks create an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth, while recognising that resilient economies are equally critical to strengthening national security. The engagement further reinforced the enduring relations between Kenya and Zimbabwe while highlighting the value of institutional learning in strengthening Africa’s capacity to address emerging defence and security challenges.

Addressing the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor, Lieutenant General David Tarus, noted that the visit underscored the longstanding cordial relations between the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of Zimbabwe, as well as the shared commitment of the two institutions to advancing professional military education and strategic leadership development. He observed that such engagements provide an invaluable platform for exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, benchmarking effective practices and deepening mutual understanding, particularly in an increasingly complex security environment where challenges transcend national boundaries.

The Vice-Chancellor further noted that the contemporary security environment is shaped by both traditional and emerging threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, cyber insecurity, transnational organised crime, climate-related security risks and hybrid warfare. He emphasized that responding effectively to these challenges requires strategic leaders equipped with innovative thinking, sound judgement, adaptability and the ability to build partnerships across institutions, sectors and national borders.

The visiting delegation, led by Colonel William Mangwiro and accompanied by the Zimbabwean Defence Attaché accredited to Kenya, Ethiopia and African Union Bridger General David Moyo, noted that the study visit had provided valuable insights into NDU-K’s academic programmes, institutional practices and strategic approach to professional military education, which would enrich their perspectives and contribute to further academic and institutional cooperation between the two institutions.

Colonel Mangwiro commended NDU-K for its growing reputation as a regional centre of excellence in defence, security and strategic studies, noting that the visit provided an opportunity to draw practical lessons from the University’s institutional approaches and experiences. He observed that the insights gained would contribute to the continued enhancement of professional military education and strategic leadership development.

The engagement reaffirmed the shared resolve of NDU-K and the Zimbabwe Staff College to strengthen professional military education and strategic partnerships, while equipping future leaders with the knowledge and foresight to advance Africa’s peace, security, stability and sustainable development.