Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya on Tuesday, May 26, presided over the graduation ceremony of the National Defence College Course 28–2025/26, where 71 participants from the Kenya Defence Forces, government agencies and 19 allied countries completed the institution’s advanced strategic leadership programme.
The graduating cohort comprised officers drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as participants from across Africa and other partner nations.
Speaking during the ceremony, Tuya praised the college for its role in shaping strategic leaders capable of responding to evolving regional and global security challenges.
“The National Defence College continues to play a vital role in preparing leaders capable of navigating an increasingly complex and dynamic security environment,” she said.
The Defence CS also commended the institution’s leadership, faculty and staff for their contribution to professional military education and policy-driven research.
“I commend the College leadership, faculty, and staff for their steadfast commitment to professional military education, strategic thought, and policy-oriented research, which continue to strengthen national resilience and regional security cooperation,” Tuya stated.
She lauded the diversity within the graduating class, particularly the increasing participation of women in senior leadership training programmes.
“I was particularly encouraged by the diversity represented within this year’s cohort, including the growing participation of women in strategic leadership spaces,” she said.
According to Tuya, the interaction among participants from different countries and institutions reflects the growing need for international cooperation in addressing modern security threats.
“The exchange of perspectives and experiences among participants from different institutions and nations underscores the importance of collaboration, mutual understanding, and collective action in addressing emerging regional and global security challenges,” she added.
The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the National Defence College under the framework of the National Defence University-Kenya.
She revealed plans to expand student enrolment, onboard more partner nations, introduce a PhD programme and modernise learning infrastructure to position the institution as a leading centre for strategic leadership and military education.
“Plans to expand student intake, onboard additional partner nations, introduce a PhD programme, and advance modern learning infrastructure will further position the College as a premier centre of strategic leadership and professional military education within the region and beyond,” Tuya said.
Among those present during the graduation ceremony were Chief of the Defence Forces Charles Kahariri, Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, Vice Chief of the Defence Forces John Omenda, Vice Chancellor of NDU-K David Tarus, National Defence College Commandant Juma Mwinyikai and Deputy Commandant (Civil) Simon Nabukwesi, alongside other senior military and government officials.
