NDC HOSTS HIGH-LEVEL LECTURE ON GLOBAL SECURITY AND FOREIGN POLICY

The National Defence College (NDC) today hosted the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, EGH, for a Lecture of Opportunity to participants of Course No. 29 for the 2026/2027 academic year, focusing on global geopolitical developments, Kenya’s foreign policy and regional security dynamics.

The College Commandant, Lieutenant General Juma Mwinyikai, welcomed Dr. Mudavadi to the College and expressed appreciation for his acceptance of the invitation to engage the participants. He noted that the lecture provided an important platform for exposing senior officers and other participants to high-level perspectives on contemporary geopolitical developments and their implications for strategic leadership and national security.

In his address, Dr. Mudavadi highlighted the changing global security environment, characterised by intensifying competition among major powers, rapid technological advancements and persistent conflicts. He examined the strategic rivalry among different continents noting the implications for international cooperation, multilateral institutions and global security.

Turning to Africa, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted persistent security challenges, particularly in the Horn of Africa, where conflicts, political instability and violent extremism continue to threaten regional peace and stability. He cited the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the threat posed by Al-Shabaab as key concerns requiring sustained diplomatic engagement and enhanced regional cooperation.

Dr. Mudavadi underscored Kenya’s role in regional peace initiatives and emphasised the importance of regional institutions, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC), in promoting dialogue, resolving conflicts and strengthening regional stability.

On Kenya’s foreign policy, he highlighted the revised framework updated in December 2024, which focuses on safeguarding national sovereignty, advancing economic prosperity and strengthening international partnerships. He emphasised the need to align diplomatic engagements with national security priorities to effectively respond to an increasingly complex global environment.

The lecture underscored the critical link between diplomacy, foreign policy and national defence, highlighting the importance of strategic foresight, informed decision-making and coordinated responses to emerging security challenges.

The engagement coincided with the Kenya Defence Forces’ observance of KDF Day on 14 October, an occasion dedicated to honouring fallen service personnel and recognising their sacrifice in defence of the nation.

The Lecture of Opportunity is part of the National Defence College’s academic programme, which provides participants with opportunities to engage senior policymakers, practitioners and subject-matter experts on issues of national, regional and international strategic importance.

Course No. 29 for the 2026/2027 academic year comprises 81 senior officers drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces, other disciplined services, Government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as allied countries across Africa and Asia. The diverse composition of the course reflects the College’s commitment to developing strategic leadership, fostering international cooperation and promoting a shared understanding of contemporary security challenges.