Preparing leaders to anticipate, understand and respond to an increasingly complex security environment is essential to safeguarding national interests and strengthening international cooperation. Reflecting the National Defence College’s enduring role in developing strategic leaders, the College, a constituent institution of the National Defence University–Kenya, officially inaugurated Course No. 29 (2026/2027) during a ceremony held at its Karen campus in Nairobi.
The ceremony was presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, who was received by the Commandant of the National Defence College, Lieutenant General Juma Mwinyikai, alongside the Deputy Commandant (Military), Major General Yahya Abdi, and members of the Senior Faculty.
The new course brings together senior military officers from the Kenya Defence Forces, senior officials from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government, and participants from partner and allied nations, reinforcing the College’s multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to strategic leadership education. Notably, the 2026/2027 intake marks a significant milestone with the admission of participants from the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of The Gambia and the Kingdom of Morocco for the first time, further strengthening the National Defence College’s expanding international profile and commitment to fostering regional and global strategic partnerships.
Over the next year, participants will undertake a rigorous programme of strategic studies designed to strengthen leadership capacity, enhance critical thinking and deepen policy analysis skills. The curriculum seeks to prepare senior leaders for greater responsibility in the formulation and management of national security policy and public administration, while equipping them to respond effectively to emerging and evolving security challenges.
In her remarks, the Cabinet Secretary for Defence challenged participants to embrace the demanding academic journey ahead with commitment and purpose. She underscored the critical role of strategic education in preparing leaders capable of safeguarding national interests while fostering regional and international cooperation.
As Kenya’s premier institution for strategic leadership education, the National Defence College continues to strengthen the capacity of senior leaders through a multidisciplinary learning environment that promotes collaboration across government institutions and partner nations. The College remains committed to nurturing strategic thinkers capable of applying whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to addressing complex national, regional and global security challenges.
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