The National Defence University-Kenya Chancellor, H.E Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in Chief of Defence Forces today presided over the 1st graduation ceremony of the University in Lanet, Nakuru.
The graduation ceremony saw the conferment of Master’s degrees and the award of Postgraduate diplomas and Diplomas to 167 graduates, after the culmination of years of hard work and intellectual engagement. The graduates now stand poised to contribute to the nation’s security and defence.
In his speech, the President highlighted that the graduation accomplishment is a manifestation of the values and principles of the University and a significant belief that sound education, quality training and robust skills development are the pillars of a strong and secure nation.
The Chancellor further noted that for a long time, the popular image of security or defense was of a sector that was not only deficient of education, but had no time for ideas and higher education. He underscored that the successful graduation of the National Defence University Kenya has certainly debunked the notion.
“Today the NDU-K has not only proven such a profile inaccurate, it is also demonstrated that our National Defence sector are leaders in scholarship, research, training, and innovation,” he said.
His Excellency similarly, said that for the Defence Forces to effectively discharge its mandate of defending our nations and contributing to regional and global peace, the defence warriors must always be the best thinkers and philosophers in their fields of academic interests.
“The national, regional and international defense landscape has over time evolved and this understanding, demands a strong command of relevant knowledge and analytical skills and a consistent capacity to continuously define, and refine strategic vision to deal with modern security complexities,” he added.
Defence Cabinet Secretary, Hon Adan Duale observed that the ceremony is a key milestone in the journey of ensuring that the University plays a critical role in developing the capacity of strategic thinkers and implementors of government key policies in addition to, offering innovative solutions to security issues in the Country.
Sentiments echoed by the Cabinet Secretary for Education Hon. Ezekiel Mochogu expressed optimism to the University to continue producing competent human resource through training and be a reservoir of think tanks and problem solvers to Kenya’s national security concerns.
The Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla appreciated the exponential growth the University has undergone in its governance structure, human resource, and academic programs through the chancellor’s wise counsel and offering quality education as is attested by the graduating class.
The Vice-Chancellor, Major General Seif Farah affirmed that the University is on a strong foundation and committed to fulfilling its mandate as is attested by the graduating class, offering academic programs, research and innovation and ingenuity to the dynamic security environment and national development ambitions. He appealed to them to have the confidence that they have the power to make a difference in the world.
The graduates consisted of senior military officers and service members, senior civil servants from different ministries, the National Intelligence Service, National Youth Service, Kenya Forest Service, Immigration Department and senior military officers from Burundi, Egypt, Nepal, India, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia.
Present during the ceremony were the Defence Principal Secretary, Members of Parliament, the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, Service Commanders, General Officers, NDU Kenya Faculty members, and family members of the graduates.
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