Lieutenant General (Rtd) Daniel Opande presented his book “In Pursuit of Peace in Africa” at the National Defence University–Kenya (NDU-K), a milestone in his career offering insights into his distinguished military service and contributions to peacebuilding across the continent.
The visit highlighted the important role played by Lt Gen (Rtd) Opande not only in shaping the careers of those in uniform within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and allied countries but also in laying a strong foundation for a generation of scholars and national leaders.
During the event, NDU-K Vice-Chancellor Lieutenant General David Tarus noted that the autobiography is a repository of valuable knowledge drawn from decades of military service, leadership and regional security engagement. The book, he said, serves as an important resource for scholars, security personnel and policy makers seeking to understand strategic leadership and defence management.
He further emphasized that hosting such intellectual engagements aligns with the mission of NDU-K to promote research, strategic thinking and knowledge sharing among defence and security practitioners.
“I encourage all university staff and the wider defence community to embrace a culture of continuous learning, research and documentation of professional experiences to enrich knowledge in the defence and security sector,” he said.
In his presentation, Lt Gen (Rtd) Opande shared reflections from the book, which documents his journey from his early days in the Kenyan military to senior leadership roles and participation in major peacekeeping missions across Africa.
The memoir highlights his involvement in conflict resolution and peace processes in countries such as Namibia, Mozambique, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Lt Gen (Rtd) Opande underscored the importance of peace in national development, noting that today’s complex and evolving security challenges require heightened vigilance and extensive knowledge to address effectively. He observed that the socio-economic prosperity of any nation largely depends on peace and stability.
Major General Joyce Sitienei, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Centre for Security and Strategic Studies (DVC CSSS), explained that the book provides valuable lessons for security practitioners and scholars, particularly on the importance of dialogue, negotiation and regional cooperation in resolving conflicts.
“It is my hope that this book will inspire both current and future leaders by sharing practical knowledge drawn from decades of service as a soldier, peacekeeper and mediator in complex conflict environments,” she said.
Also present at the event were Deputy Vice-Chancellors, faculty members and staff, who engaged the author in discussions on leadership, diplomacy and the role of the military in promoting peace and security.
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