The National Defence University–Kenya (NDU-K) held its 3rd Graduation Ceremony on 21st November 2025 at its Seat in Lanet, Nakuru County.
The event highlighted the university’s expanding role in preparing defence and security professionals equipped to meet the evolving demands of national, regional, and global security.
Presided over by His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, and Chancellor of NDU-K, the ceremony saw 556 graduates—who had satisfied their respective college academic boards and the University Senate—conferred Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees, as well as awarded Postgraduate Diplomas and Diplomas.
The graduates were drawn from NDU-K’s various colleges; Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Government of Kenya; and senior military officers from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Somalia, Nepal, India, Mozambique, Ethiopia, South Africa, South Sudan, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Namibia, Botswana, Egypt, and Sierra Leone.
In his address, the Chancellor congratulated the Class of 2025 and underscored the need to strengthen national capacity in science, technology, and research. He noted that the government is expanding science and technology programmes and increasing investment in innovation, emphasizing that graduates must be prepared for industry demands.
“We must raise our research ambition and prepare graduates who can plug directly into industry,” he said, reaffirming support for universities aligning with national priorities.
Echoing the Chancellor’s sentiments, Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Soipan Tuya congratulated the Class of 2025 and emphasized the importance of critical thinking and adaptability. She noted that the accelerating pace of global change—driven by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies—requires evidence-based solutions and professionals capable of navigating rapidly evolving security challenges.
Chief of the Defence Forces and Chairperson of the NDU-K Council, General Charles Kahariri, praised NDU-K for expanding its role in shaping the nation’s security landscape and producing officers who serve as both defenders and ambassadors of Kenya’s strategic interests.
“This institution is building professionals who safeguard our nation and represent Kenya with honour wherever they serve,” he said.
Vice-Chancellor Lieutenant General David Tarus also congratulated the graduating class, describing their achievement as further proof of NDU-K’s rising stature as a centre of excellence. He highlighted the university’s role in preparing future leaders and innovators, noting,
“Your success reflects the strong foundation this university is building.” He added that the graduates are now better equipped to navigate today’s complex security environment.
During the ceremony, research reports titled “The Place of Fake News, Misinformation and Disinformation on Governance in Kenya” and “Whole of Society Approach to Addressing Femicide in Kenya”—topics the Chancellor directed the university to research during the 2024 graduation—were presented to him. Also presented were foundational publications by the Kenya Oral Strategic History (KOSH) project titled “Kenya’s Indigenous Strategic Leadership (1963 onwards)” Vol 1 and “Leadership Approaches (1963 onwards), Volume 1.”
The ceremony was attended by Vice-Chancellors from various universities, top government officials, serving and retired general officers, senior officers, service personnel, university staff, graduates, and their families.
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