NAIROBI, Kenya—In a move aimed at boosting security not only in Kenya but also on the African continent and globally, President William Ruto has officially granted a Charter to the National Intelligence Research College, elevating it to a university.
The Islamic University was also granted a Charter during the event held at State House, Nairobi.
Through Legal Notice Number 97 of June 11, 2021, the National Intelligence and Research University College was established as a constituent of the National Defence University in Kenya.
Speaking during the event, Chairman Board of Trustees National Intelligence and Research University Noordin Haji said that the move is not only a testament to the president’s commitment to the intelligence profession and the community but also a promise to secure our nation’s future.
“The journey towards this Charter has been long and winding. We reflect on it with nostalgia and focus on a brighter future. The turn of the millennium necessitated the need to respond to the changing threat environment,” said Haji.
How the National Intelligence Research College of Kenya gained a Charter
To achieve this goal, Haji said that the service collaborated with various institutions but in particular the University of Nairobi, the Australian National University and Strathmore University.
“Our strength lies in the capacity of the faculty we have built over the years. We pride ourselves in delivering a theoretical and practical understanding of intelligence and national security that translates into professional intelligence,” explained the NIS boss.
He observed that the rising demand for a facility in the region provides an opportunity to advance Kenya’s national interest. He notably supported the Rwandese service in establishing a similar institution while also issuing lectures in Mozambique and Uganda.
Speaking at the same time, President Ruto congratulated the chair, the vice-chancellor, and members of the board of the National Intelligence and Research University of Kenya on attaining the Charter.
“I want to commit that as Chancellor working with my team, we are going to live up to the expectations of not just Kenya but also a region in matters of training and equipping and educating and providing the necessary human capital for us to manage our security threats and provide intelligence professionals that will help in safeguarding our country, region and contribute globally in the management of security issues,” said President Ruto.
What does the entry of the National Intelligence Research and Islamic Universities mean to Kenya
President Ruto, who was accompanied by his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, and Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba, observed that the entry of the National Intelligence and Research University of Kenya and Islamic University of Kenya brings the number of chartered universities in Kenya to 66.
“I urge the Commission of University Education to double its efforts to elevate our institutions to charter status by ensuring vigorous implementation of high standards in higher education. The award of charters is not just going to be a ritual, but it’s going to have a meaning. I encourage the National Intelligence and Research University of Kenya to expand its reach by admitting students from the Global South to foster a better understanding of our security sector,” said the head of state.
Haji revealed that currently, the University has 31 students from the African continent.
This includes 14 from Kenya, three from Uganda, three from Tanzania, two from Rwanda, two from Burundi, two from Malawi and two from Mozambique.
“We project that this number will grow with the award of this Charter and the increased allocation to our strategic partners within the region and the continent. So far, we have offered four slots to Ghana, 3 to Uganda and two each to Cote D’Ivoire, South Africa, Guinea Bissau and Liberia,” he explained.
Which other countries are interested in investing in the National Intelligence Research University
In addition, Haji disclosed that Botswana, Gambia and Sierra Leone have recently requested for slots.
“We look forward to you, Mr President, presiding over the inaugural graduation next year. Our philosophy anchors on shaping the future, thinking in intelligence and national security,” he said.
Haji stated that the journey to being granted the Charter would not have been possible without the efforts of his predecessors.
“Their collective vision and shared ideas have led to establishing a pioneer African intelligence education university. We also acknowledge the leadership of the National Defence University of Kenya for mentorship throughout this journey,” he added.
While the NIS efforts have contributed towards professionalism, Haji said that there have been challenges along the way.
“Sustainability remains a challenge. Against this backdrop, we have embarked on a deliberate process to establish a Centre of Excellence in Intelligence research in a cost-effective manner,” he further explained.
