CS MURKOMEN DELIVERS LECTURE OF OPPORTUNITY AT NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE
The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, H.E. Kipchumba Murkomen, on 28 September 2026 delivered a Lecture of Opportunity to participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 29/2026–2027 at the College in Karen.
The lecture, themed “Citizen Engagement as a Strategic Pillar of National Security and Resilience,” provided an opportunity for participants to gain insights into the evolving national security environment and the importance of citizen participation in addressing security challenges.
H.E. Murkomen, who was received by the Commandant NDC, Lieutenant General Juma Mwinyikai , drew from his experiences and lessons learnt through the Jukwaa la Mwananchi forums to underscore the importance of community engagement in strengthening national security.
He noted that meaningful engagement between the Government and citizens provides an important platform for understanding security concerns at the grassroots level, building public trust and ensuring that security policies and frameworks are responsive to the needs and realities of communities.
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the importance of multi-agency collaboration in addressing contemporary security challenges. He observed that closer coordination among security and other government agencies has enhanced information sharing, improved operational effectiveness and contributed to better security outcomes.
On the challenge of banditry, H.E. Murkomen outlined the Government’s evolving approach, which combines security operations with interventions aimed at addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to insecurity. He emphasised the need for sustained collaboration with communities and other stakeholders in promoting lasting peace and stability in affected areas.
The Cabinet Secretary further addressed emerging and evolving security threats, noting that the changing nature of the security environment requires institutions to continuously adapt, strengthen preparedness and embrace innovative approaches to national security and resilience.
The Lecture of Opportunity formed part of NDC’s academic programme, which exposes participants to diverse perspectives from senior national leaders, practitioners and experts on matters of strategic importance.
The engagement provided Course 29 participants with an opportunity to interact with the Cabinet Secretary and deepen their understanding of the relationship between citizen engagement, governance and national security.
The National Defence College continues to provide a platform for strategic-level learning, bringing together senior military, security and civilian leaders to examine national, regional and international issues affecting Kenya’s security and development.
