National security is strengthened when institutions entrusted with safeguarding public resources possess a shared understanding of the strategic environment within which they operate. Building such institutional awareness enhances the capacity of government agencies to anticipate emerging risks, protect national interests and contribute collectively to the resilience of the State.
The National Defence College (NDC) today concluded the second and final cohort of the one-week Capstone Training on National Security Awareness in Auditing for officers from the Office of the Auditor General, marking the successful completion of a strategic capacity-building programme that brought together auditors from across the institution. The training sought to deepen participants’ appreciation of the nexus between public sector auditing, good governance and national security while reinforcing the critical role of auditors in safeguarding national interests through effective oversight and accountability.
The closing ceremony was presided over by the Senior Directing Staff National Defence College, Major General Richard Mwanzia, who commended the participants for their commitment throughout the programme and challenged them to translate the knowledge acquired into practical action within their respective areas of responsibility. He observed that the evolving security environment demands public institutions that are strategically aware, adaptive and capable of identifying risks before they undermine national resilience.
In her closing remarks, the Auditor General of Kenya FCPA Hon. Nancy Gathungu lauded the successful completion of the two training cohorts, describing the programme as a significant investment in strengthening the institutional capacity of the Office of the Auditor General. She remarked that the knowledge and strategic insights acquired would enrich the auditors’ professional practice, enabling them to undertake their oversight responsibilities with a broader appreciation of the national security implications of public resource management. She further underscored the importance of sustaining collaboration between the National Defence College and the Office of the Auditor General in advancing effective governance, accountability and institutional resilience.
Throughout the programme, participants undertook comprehensive thematic sessions on understanding the State, national interests and national security, the strategic role of the Office of the Auditor General in national development and security, the security of government assets, information and personnel, national security risk management from an audit perspective, critical thinking and strategic decision-making, crisis response, governance and accountability, as well as leadership and institutional resilience. The lectures, discussions and case studies equipped the auditors with a broader strategic outlook, enabling them to appreciate the direct relationship between effective public sector oversight and national stability.
The completion of both cohorts marks a significant milestone in the continuing partnership between the National Defence College and the Office of the Auditor General, demonstrating a shared recognition that national security is a collective responsibility requiring coordinated action across government institutions. By fostering strategic awareness among public sector auditors, the programme has strengthened the capacity of the Office of the Auditor General to contribute more effectively to accountability, institutional resilience and informed decision-making in support of Kenya’s national security and sustainable development.
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