NDC COURSE 29 PARTICIPANTS UNDERTAKE FAMILIARISATION TOUR OF NDU-K

Participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 29 (2026/2027) undertook a familiarisation tour of the National Defence University–Kenya (NDU-K) at its main campus in Lanet, Nakuru County, as part of their orientation programme following the commencement of the year-long National Security and Strategy Course.

The delegation was led by the National Defence College Deputy Commandant – Military, Major General Y. S. Abdi, and accompanied by the Senior Directing Staff – Air Force, Major General P. Githinji, together with members of the College faculty. The visit was designed to acquaint participants with the University’s mandate, organisational structure, academic programmes and its pivotal role in advancing professional military education, strategic research and national security studies.

NDC Course 29 brings together an accomplished cohort of senior officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), senior officials from Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), State agencies, as well as military officers from allied and partner nations. The multinational composition of the course provides a rich environment for the exchange of knowledge, professional experiences and strategic perspectives on emerging regional and global security issues.

The participants were received by the Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University–Kenya, Lieutenant General David Tarus, who welcomed them to the University’s headquarters and congratulated them on their selection to one of the region’s premier strategic leadership programmes.

In his address, Lieutenant General Tarus observed that their nomination reflected the confidence their respective governments and institutions had placed in their leadership potential. He noted that the programme represents a significant milestone in their professional development and will equip them with the strategic competencies required for higher responsibilities in national security policy, defence management, strategic leadership and statecraft.

The Vice Chancellor further underscored the National Defence University–Kenya’s role as the country’s premier institution of higher learning in defence, security and strategic studies. He highlighted the University’s commitment to developing strategic leaders through quality professional military education, academic excellence, research and innovation, with the National Defence College serving as its flagship institution for strategic-level education.

He explained that throughout the year-long programme, participants will pursue the National Security and Strategy Programme leading to the award of a Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s degree, subject to individual academic qualifications and admission requirements. The curriculum is designed to broaden strategic outlooks, strengthen policy analysis and critical thinking, and prepare senior leaders to effectively respond to complex and evolving national, regional and international security challenges.

Lieutenant General Tarus also encouraged participants to embrace the diversity of Course 29 by engaging in robust intellectual discourse, sharing professional experiences and cultivating enduring networks that will strengthen collaboration among the military, government institutions and partner nations.

The familiarisation tour provided participants with valuable insight into the University’s academic environment, governance and strategic mission. It also reaffirmed NDU-K’s commitment to nurturing visionary leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills and strategic mindset necessary to safeguard national interests and contribute to regional and global peace and security.