The Cabinet Secretary of Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, led the inaugural joint National Defence College (NDC) and Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC) cultural day celebrations. The event was held at Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum on 17 January 2026.
Participants of NDC Course 28 (2025/26) and JCSC Course 41 (2025/26) from over twenty nationalities showcased their rich cultural diversity and heritage in a display of traditional cuisine, artefacts, songs and dances representing various communities.
The guests were treated to spectacular performances by local and international communities, including the celebrated Royal Drummers of Burundi, Rwandese Ikoobe culture troope, Indian dancers and live band music performance by the Maroon Commandos Band, among others.
The event, themed “Culture with Technology: A Fusion Fest,” emphasized linkage between cultural practices and technological advancement. It stressed on importance of integrating technology with african culture to foster resilience and sustainable development. Thus reinforcing cultural identity as a key tool in solving contemporary global issues.
Beyond the festivities, the event featured an academic component highlighted by a plenary discussion deliberating on dynamics surrounding technology and culture. It was agreed that there is a need to embrace technology and foster its integration with culture. Additionally, reconciliation of regulations with technology will ensure that there is harmony in protection of our culture following the technological wake.
In her remarks, the Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of developing the capabilities of the defence leader of tomorrow. “Understanding the intersection between culture and technology is not an option for us, but a strategic necessity. Culture provides context, in the sense of shaping identity, informing behavior, and explaining innovations, resilience and vulnerabilities of societies. Technology on the other hand provides capabilities, information and intelligence. The defence leader of the future must be fluent in both.” She said.
The Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri lauded the two institutions for continuous improvement.
“The initiative to introduce academic discourse to this event is quite encouraging and should be allocated more time. It is paramount to understand that cultural appreciation remains a key pillar in military career.” He said. He further emphasized that appreciation of various diversities ensures that there is little room for conflict. This can be enhanced through embracing the intersection of culture and technology.
Addressing the assembly, the Commandant NDC, Lieutenant General Juma Mwinyikai noted the importance of technology as a force multiplier. “Through technology, we allow ancient stories to find new audiences and timeless acts to be experienced in novel ways. We open our eyes to our shared historical existence.” He urged the participants to engage fully to appreciate value thus enriching a critical element of cultural intelligence.
In his remarks, the Commandant JCSC, Major General Eric Kinuthia appreciated the diversity in the crowd. He described its uniqueness in shared celebration of culture, heritage and innovation. “Your presence here today enriches this celebration and affirms the values of partnership, friendship and shared purpose. This year’s edition is a fusion fest and it goes further beyond cultural celebrations and explores how technology can amplify innovation and enrich our heritage.” He said.
As part of its mandate, the National Defence College remains committed to developing critical strategic leaders from military and civilian sectors, fostering an understanding of security and strategy at both national and international levels. NDC and JCSC are Colleges of National Defence University-Kenya.
The Cultural Day is designed to celebrate and showcase cultural diversity, promote unity, and foster mutual understanding among senior leaders drawn from diverse defence and civil service backgrounds. This marked a significant social milestone for NDC and JCSC Course participants with an enhanced focus on inclusivity, jointness, and multinational cooperation. Participants from all the countries in the two colleges exhibited their various cultures and artefacts.
The high-profile academic and cultural event brought together Ambassadors, High commissioners, members of the Diplomatic Corps from various allied countries, Service Commanders, General Officers, Senior Directing Staff, Defence Attaches and advisors and senior military officers and invited guests, transforming the venue into a “global village” of heritage, traditions and shared values.
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