National security is no longer the exclusive preserve of the military and law enforcement agencies. In an era shaped by cyber threats, economic crimes, corruption, climate change, public health emergencies and attacks on critical infrastructure, safeguarding national interests demands a whole-of-government approach in which every public institution contributes to national resilience through its core mandate.
Recognizing the strategic role of oversight institutions in protecting the nation’s governance architecture, the National Defence College (NDC) today commenced a week-long Capstone Training on National Security Awareness in Auditing for staff of the Office of the Auditor General at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen, Nairobi.
The programme seeks to broaden participants’ understanding of the relationship between national security and auditing by exposing them to contemporary and emerging security issues that increasingly influence governance, policy implementation and public financial management. By strengthening strategic awareness among auditors, the course aims to reinforce accountability, institutional resilience and informed decision-making across government.
The training was officially opened by the Auditor General of Kenya, FCPA Hon. Nancy Gathungu, who underscored the need for auditors to view their responsibilities beyond financial oversight and appreciate the broader national security implications of governance and prudent public resource management.
“As auditors, we must appreciate that effective oversight not only safeguards public resources but also contributes to the security, stability and prosperity of our nation. By strengthening accountability, transparency and prudent stewardship of public resources, we reinforce public confidence in our institutions and support the country’s broader national development and security objectives,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Commandant, National Defence College, Deputy Commandant Major General Yahya Abdi highlighted the inseparable link between national security, good governance and accountability. He observed that modern security extends beyond conventional defence and requires coordinated action by every institution entrusted with public responsibility.
He noted that the Office of the Auditor General occupies a strategic position in strengthening governance by safeguarding public resources, enhancing institutional resilience and supporting sustainable national development.
“National security today extends far beyond the traditional security sector. Challenges such as corruption, cyber threats, economic crimes, weak governance, climate change, public health emergencies and threats to critical infrastructure require collective action across all sectors of government and society,” he stated.
Throughout the week, participants will undertake thematic sessions covering the State, national interests and national security, the Office of the Auditor General’s contribution to national development and security, protection of government assets, information and personnel, national security risk management from an audit perspective, critical thinking, strategic decision-making and institutional resilience.
The Capstone Training illustrates the National Defence College’s growing role as a centre for strategic education that equips leaders across government with the knowledge required to navigate an increasingly complex security landscape. By extending national security awareness to key civilian institutions, the College continues to strengthen interagency collaboration and reinforce the whole-of-government approach that underpins effective governance, national resilience and the protection of Kenya’s strategic interests.
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