NAIROBI, Kenya — The Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University of Kenya (NDU-K), Lieutenant General David Tarus, has emphasized the crucial role of strategic leadership and professional military education in securing Kenya’s long-term security and national interests.
Lt Gen Tarus delivered a lecture on Strategic Leadership to participants of Course 28 (2025/26) at the National Defence College (NDC) on January 13, 2025, bringing together senior military officers undertaking advanced strategic training.
In his address, Tarus emphasised that strategic leaders must be capable of identifying and exploiting opportunities amid uncertainty, managing complex risks, and aligning national capabilities with evolving security priorities.
“Strategic leadership requires the ability to operate in uncertainty, manage risk effectively, and align state power with long-term national interests,” Tarus said.
The lecture focused on the principles of strategic leadership, highlighting decision-making at the highest levels of national security, where political, military, economic, and diplomatic considerations intersect.
Tarus described professional military education as a critical enabler of national power, noting that it equips leaders with the intellectual tools needed to respond to emerging and non-traditional security threats.
He said institutions such as the National Defence College play a key role in developing adaptive, ethical, and forward-looking leaders, capable of responding to complex regional and global security challenges.
“Professional military education develops leaders who can think strategically, act ethically and lead institutions through change,” he said, urging participants to embrace foresight, innovation and institutional leadership in service to the nation.
Lt Gen Tarus was accompanied by the Commandant of the National Defence College, Lt Gen Juma Mwinyikai, alongside senior military officers and faculty members, underscoring the importance attached to leadership development within the defence establishment.
Under Article 238 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, national security institutions are mandated to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and people of Kenya while respecting democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
The National Defence College trains senior military officers, civil servants and security professionals for strategic-level responsibilities, contributing to Kenya’s broader national security architecture.
As Course 28 participants continue their studies, defence officials say the emphasis on strategic leadership and professional education remains vital to ensuring the country’s security institutions are prepared to confront both present and future challenges.
