Chief of Defence Forces(CDF) Gen Charles Kahariri Delivers Lecture of Opportunity to Course 28/2025–2026 Participants at NDC on 21 May 2026

Strategic Leadership in an Era of Global Flux

On 21st May 2026, participants of Course 28/2025–2026 at the National Defence College (NDC), a college of the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K), received a High-Level Lecture of Opportunity from the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, themed “Navigating Leadership in the Developing World in an Era of Strategic Flux.”

Addressing senior military officers and strategic-level participants, General Kahariri highlighted the rapidly evolving global security environment characterized by geopolitical realignments, technological disruption, economic uncertainty, and emerging cyber and information threats. He emphasized that contemporary military leadership must extend beyond operational competence to embrace strategic foresight, institutional adaptability, and informed decision-making.

The CDF noted that competition among nations increasingly manifests through technology, economic influence, information dominance, and strategic diplomacy, requiring leaders to anticipate emerging challenges and prepare institutions to respond proactively. He further underscored the importance of resilience, strategic partnerships, professionalism, discipline, and institutional integrity in building credible and future-ready defence institutions.

The lecture concluded with an interactive engagement on emerging geopolitical trends and leadership imperatives, reaffirming the National Defence College’s role in developing strategic leaders capable of translating complex global developments into effective national security outcomes.