The National Defence University- Kenya (NDU-K), Friday, December 2 2022, matriculated the first cohort of 177 cadets in a historic and colourful event at the institution’s main campus in Lanet, Nakuru.
The event which was the first for the University inaugurated on August 5, 2021, was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor (VC) Lt Gen Jonah Mwangi accompanied by the leadership of the institution and its Colleges.
The pioneer matriculating class 12/25 was enlisted in March 2022 and has undergone a nine-month foundational military training and now embark on an academic and professional phase.
Upon successful completion of the three-year program, the matriculants shall graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Defence and Security Studies.
The NDU-K matriculants were led to take an oath which effectively binds them to comply with the core values rules and regulations of the institution.
The matriculating class comprised cadets from Kenya and allied countries, including Burundi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
The VC congratulated the matriculants for the milestone and implored them to work hard in their studies while observing a high sense of discipline as potential future military leaders.
Lt Gen Mwangi said the institution is mandated to mould defence and security leaders who can think and operate effectively at all decision-making levels in a dynamic, multifaceted, amorphous and unpredictable operating environment.
“For these reasons, the University has adopted a unique combination of curriculum that integrates students, faculty and stakeholder diversity for optimum results. The aim is to produce first-class leaders in the application and adaptation of knowledge to combat the emerging security challenges,” said the VC.
He said in an effort to develop the innovative leadership required to manage conventional and evolving security challenges, the University continues to improve its human capital, facilities and physical infrastructure to enable learning.
“In doing this, we’re cognisant that in the contemporary security environment, research plays a vital role in enhancing creative and critical thinking in addition to promoting innovation. In view of this, we shall invest in research as an avenue for spearheading practical solutions primarily in the security and in support of national development,” Lt Gen Mwangi said.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to the mandate of grooming generational leaders who represent the social and intellectual diversity inherent in the security sector.
Commandant Kenya Military Academy (KMA), Maj Gen Fatuma Ahmed urged the cadets to uphold academic excellence saying it is the mantra of the institution.
She said this shall develop their leadership, command and management capability.
“Your success in academic and professional training will be pegged on your commitment, hard work, determination, self-discipline and self-control. I encourage you to remain focused during your training period to make sure the University attains its vision and goals,” said Maj Gen Ahmed.
NDU-K has seven Colleges among them the National Defence College (NDC), Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC), KMA, Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC) and the International Peace Support Training College (IPSTC). Others are the Defence College of Health Sciences (DCHS) and the National Intelligence and Research University College under the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
