DEFENCE STAFF COLLEGE GRADUATES 56 OFFICERS

The Cabinet Secretary for Defence Ambassador Dr. Monica Juma today presided over the Defence Staff College (DSC) graduation ceremony at Karen, Nairobi.

The ceremony saw 56 Officers of the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel and Major awarded certificates upon completion of the 46-week course at the institution drawn from Burundi, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Addressing the graduands, the Defence Cabinet Secretary underscored that the region and the world is awash with changes, and it is beset by dynamics and unpredictable security threats which require military leaders to be at the top of the game in identifying, analysing and mitigating the threat effectively either individually or collectively in a multilateral collaborative framework.

“Equipping officers with intellectual firepower that is required to tackle contemporary and emerging security complexities remains an important added value in their experience,” said the CS.

The CS was pleased with the representation of the graduation cohort by allied students who have done extremely well throughout the course and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kenya, thanked all countries represented at the course.

“This collaboration has forged a successful programme for the exchange of student officers and directing staff. The networks and bonds created in these exchange programs are in tandem with the spirit of promoting sub-regional and regional integration between our countries. To the allied student Officers graduating here today, please be our Nation’s Ambassadors,” she said.

The CS paid special tribute to the lady officers that graduated and urged them to go forth and provide outstanding leadership in whatever new roles that will be bestowed upon them. “Strive to be good examples and role models for all the junior female members of the KDF to emulate,” she added.

The CS further urged the graduands to make use of the skill gained and discharge their duties diligently and confidently and wished them God bless wherever they go in discharging their duties

“You have today been certified to have acquired the requisite skills and knowledge to succeed in your new responsibilities. Each one of you has a bright future in the military forces of your respective States. I encourage you to take up your new roles with confidence and energy. Remember also to inspire others with your intellectual consistency. At all times, strive to keep your wits above you and maintain grace even under difficulties,” the CS said.

DSC is a Kenya Defence Forces sponsored institution with the mission of preparing selected officers for the assumption of increased responsibility in command and staff duties.

Present during the graduation ceremony were the Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Levi Mghalu, Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces Personnel and Logistics, PS Ministry of Defence, Chief Administrative Secretary, Service Commanders, Commandant National Defence College, General Officers, Defence Attaches, Senior Officers, Officers and invited guests.