The Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General John Omenda, together with the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, presided over the opening and closing ceremonies of an induction course for newly appointed Cabinet and Principal Secretaries. The event took place on 14th and 15th May 2025 at the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Karen, Nairobi.
The two-day program, themed “The Mandate at Hand: A Charge to Deliver,” was a collaborative effort between the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) and the Executive Office of the President. It was designed to recognize the critical role of the executive in public administration and aimed to foster synergy among newly appointed officials as they embark on their duties.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Felix Koskei emphasized the significance of the induction, stating that it would equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the governance framework, accountability mechanisms, national values, and the ethical standards required in public service.
Lieutenant General Omenda echoed these sentiments, noting that the course would ensure the newly appointed officials are well-prepared, informed, and aligned with the expectations and responsibilities of their high-level roles in government.
During the closing ceremony, Deputy Head of Public Service, Mr. Amos Gatecha, urged the new executive leaders to serve with dedication and integrity. He highlighted the importance of their knowledge, expertise, and experience in advancing the country’s development goals.
“This induction has reaffirmed the weighty responsibility we carry as leaders. It is a reminder that Kenyans have entrusted us not merely to occupy office, but to make a tangible, measurable impact on their lives. We must be servant leaders—humble, sensitive, and empathetic to the needs of our people,” said Mr. Gatecha.
He also stressed the importance of adopting a multi-agency approach in executing ministerial programs and prioritizing preventive and mitigation strategies in response to evolving national and global security and socio-economic challenges.
Representing NDU-K Vice-Chancellor Lieutenant General Jimson Mutai, Major General William Shume, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation & Security Studies, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to building capacity in defence, security, and strategic studies. He noted that through its seven colleges, NDU-K continues to develop strategic thinkers, policy experts, and leaders capable of addressing complex national and global challenges.
Topics covered during the induction included; The Architecture of the Nation’s Security Infrastructure, Strategic Communication, Balance of Power, The Doctrine of Public Service, Government Business in the Era of e-Cabinet, The State of the Economy, Security Awareness among others.
This initiative underscores the government’s dedication to empowering its leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective governance and national development.
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