NDC CONDUCTS CAPSTONE COURSE TO ENHANCE STRATEGIC OVERSIGHT AMONG OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL STAFF
National security has evolved beyond the traditional domain of the military and law enforcement agencies, with emerging threats such as cybercrime, corruption, economic crimes, climate change, public health emergencies and attacks on critical infrastructure demanding a coordinated, whole-of-government response. In this dynamic environment, every public institution has a critical role to play in safeguarding Kenya’s national interests through the effective execution of its mandate.
In line with this approach, the National Defence College (NDC) conducted a two-week-long Capstone Training on National Security Awareness in Auditing for staff of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen, Nairobi. The programme was designed to enhance participants’ appreciation of the relationship between national security and auditing by examining how emerging security challenges influence governance, policy implementation and public financial management.
The training sought to strengthen strategic awareness among auditors, enabling them to contribute more effectively to accountability, institutional resilience and sound decision-making across government. It also reinforced the important role oversight institutions play in protecting the country’s governance framework and advancing sustainable national development.
Speaking during the training, the Auditor General of Kenya, FCPA Hon. Nancy Gathungu, underscored the importance of viewing auditing beyond financial oversight, noting that effective accountability mechanisms are fundamental to national security and development.
“As auditors, we must appreciate that effective oversight not only safeguards public resources but also contributes to the security, stability and prosperity of our nation. By strengthening accountability, transparency and prudent stewardship of public resources, we reinforce public confidence in our institutions and support the country’s broader national development and security objectives,” she said.
Representing the Commandant of the National Defence College, Deputy Commandant Major General Yahya Abdi emphasized the close relationship between national security, good governance and accountability. He observed that contemporary security challenges required collective action across all government institutions and could no longer be addressed solely by the traditional security sector.
He further noted that the Office of the Auditor General occupied a strategic position in strengthening governance by promoting accountability, safeguarding public resources and enhancing institutional resilience.
“National security today extends far beyond the traditional security sector. Challenges such as corruption, cyber threats, economic crimes, weak governance, climate change, public health emergencies and threats to critical infrastructure require collective action across all sectors of government and society,” he stated.
During the two-week programme, participants undertook thematic sessions covering the State, national interests and national security, the Office of the Auditor General’s contribution to national development and security, protection of government assets, information and personnel, national security risk management from an audit perspective, critical thinking, strategic decision-making and institutional resilience.
The Capstone Training demonstrated the National Defence College’s commitment to strengthening strategic capacity across government by equipping leaders with the knowledge and skills required to navigate an increasingly complex security environment. Through such initiatives, the College continued to foster stronger interagency collaboration while
advancing the whole-of-government approach that underpins effective governance, national resilience and the protection of Kenya’s strategic interests.
