NAIROBI, Kenya — Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya on Friday led the inaugural joint National Defence College (NDC) and Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC) Cultural Day celebrations, marking a milestone in Kenya’s military education and multinational cooperation.
The event, held at Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum on January 17, 2026, brought together participants from NDC Course 28 (2025/26) and JCSC Course 41 (2025/26), representing more than 20 nationalities drawn from military and civilian sectors.
Participants showcased their diverse cultural heritage through traditional cuisine, artefacts, music, songs, and dances, transforming the venue into what organisers described as a “global village” of traditions and shared values.
Guests were treated to vibrant performances by local and international cultural groups, including the Royal Drummers of Burundi, Rwanda’s Ikoobe cultural troupe, Indian dancers, and live music by the Maroon Commandos Band.
Culture Meets Technology
The event was held under the theme “Culture with Technology: A Fusion Fest,” highlighting the growing intersection between cultural identity and technological advancement in addressing contemporary security and development challenges.
Beyond the festivities, the programme featured an academic component, including a plenary discussion examining the relationship between culture, technology, and regulation.
Participants agreed on the need to integrate technology with cultural practices while aligning regulatory frameworks to protect heritage in an increasingly digital world.
Speaking at the event, CS Tuya emphasised the importance of preparing future defence leaders to navigate both cultural and technological landscapes.
“Understanding the intersection between culture and technology is not an option for us, but a strategic necessity,” Tuya said. “Culture provides context by shaping identity, informing behaviour and explaining resilience and vulnerabilities of societies, while technology provides capabilities, information and intelligence. The defence leader of the future must be fluent in both.”
Leadership Perspectives
Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri praised the two institutions for continuously improving their programmes, particularly the inclusion of academic discourse alongside cultural celebration.
“The initiative to introduce academic discussion into this event is quite encouraging and should be allocated more time,” Kahariri said. “Cultural appreciation remains a key pillar in a military career and plays a critical role in reducing conflict by fostering understanding across diversity.”
National Defence College Commandant Lieutenant General Juma Mwinyikai underscored technology’s role as a force multiplier in preserving and sharing cultural heritage.
“Through technology, ancient stories find new audiences and timeless acts are experienced in novel ways,” Mwinyikai said. “This deepens our understanding of our shared historical existence and strengthens cultural intelligence.”
Joint Command and Staff College Commandant Major General Eric Kinuthia lauded the diversity on display, describing the event as a powerful expression of partnership and shared purpose.
“This year’s fusion fest goes beyond celebration and explores how technology can amplify innovation and enrich our heritage,” Kinuthia said.
The National Defence College and Joint Command and Staff College, constituent institutions of the National Defence University–Kenya, play a central role in developing strategic leaders for national and international security environments.
The Cultural Day is designed to promote unity, inclusivity, and mutual understanding among senior leaders from diverse defence and civil service backgrounds, reinforcing jointness and multinational cooperation.
The high-profile event was attended by ambassadors, high commissioners, members of the diplomatic corps, service commanders, general officers, defence attachés, senior military officers, and invited guests, cementing its status as a major academic and cultural highlight in Kenya’s defence calendar.
