Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon Soipan Tuya on 2nd July 2025 opened Course No. 28-2025/26 of the National Defence College (NDC) in Karen, Nairobi County.
The course brings together 72 participants drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and allied nations across Africa and beyond for a rigorous year-long strategic leadership programme.
In her address, Hon Tuya congratulated the course participants, describing them as an elite cadre carefully selected for their potential to contribute significantly to national, regional and global security.
“Let me begin by congratulating you for being selected to participate in this very critical course in your career.
“Your presence here marks you out as part of an elite cadre drawn not only from Kenya Defence Forces but also from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as allied countries across Africa and beyond,” Hon Tuya said.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the course was being offered at a time of major global shifts, driven by geopolitical realignments, technological advancements, and multifaceted security threats.
“Great power contestations have re-emerged forcefully, fuelling global tensions, sharpening strategic rivalries, and creating an environment fraught with uncertainty,” Hon Tuya underscored.
She challenged course participants to reflect deeply on the emerging world order and how it affects global security and economic stability.
At the same time, Hon Tuya pointed out Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and recurring instability in Africa as issues that have direct implications on Kenya, the region and the world at large.
“These dynamics are not distant; they determine shipping costs, food and energy security, and even strategic alignments that influence Africa’s place in the world,” she said.
On Kenya’s internal security landscape, the Cabinet Secretary pointed out that the country is dealing with high unemployment, political and ethnic intolerance, banditry and cattle rustling, terrorism, corruption, and organised crime which she said are holding back the country’s progress.
“These, coupled with a highly informed population and the open democratic space provided by the Constitution, poses complex challenges to national security, cohesion and resilience,” Hon Tuya noted.
As future leaders, the Cabinet Secretary advised participants to embrace strategic foresight and offer policy guidance that safeguards national interests in the face of growing domestic and geopolitical complexities.
“In an era of unprecedented security challenges, strategic leadership remains the cornerstone of effective national and global policies.
“My challenge to you is to help the country navigate the current competitive and uncertain strategic environment through proffering policies fit for the times and contexts in which they will be applied,” Hon Tuya advised.
In his introductory remarks, NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Shee Mwinyikai said Defense Course Number 28-2025/26 is a true representation of the rich tapestry of expertise, cultures, and experience.
“I am particularly proud to note the increase in female participation in this cohort, from 12 percent in Course Number 27 to 17 percent today,” Lt Gen Mwinyikai said, noting that the increase was testament to NDC’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Present were NDC Deputy Commandant Major General Stephen Mutuku and Senior Directing Staff among other senior NDC military and civilian staff.
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