Defence Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru on Wednesday 29th May, delivered a Lecture of Opportunity to participants of the Senior Joint Command and Staff Course No. 40–2024/25 at the Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC), Karen, focusing on the theme: “Strengthening Kenya’s Defence Industrial Base for Self-Reliance.”
In his address, Dr. Mariru provided a comprehensive overview of the global, regional, and national defence industry landscape, examining key strategic fields, socio-economic impacts, and Kenya’s industrialization efforts within the defence sector.
From a national perspective, the PS emphasized that Kenya’s defence industry is undergoing a transformative shift aimed at reducing dependence on foreign suppliers while enhancing national security and economic development. He noted that under the leadership of H.E. President Dr. William Ruto, the government has shown strong potential and commitment to fostering innovation, resilience, and local industrial capability.
Dr. Mariru outlined how the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with other ministries, departments, and agencies, is implementing a Defence Industrialization Strategy designed to build a self-sustaining defence industrial base. He pointed to the contributions of semi-autonomous government agencies under the Ministry including; the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC), Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL), Kenya Meat Commission (KMC), and Kenya Space Agency (KSA), as critical players in this strategy. He highlighted that these institutions are helping to advance Kenya’s industrial potential in support of broader security and economic objectives.
The lecture offered course participants a strategic perspective on the defence industry’s evolution, highlighting their role in fostering national self-reliance. During the interactive discussion that followed, participants underscored the importance of strengthening the defence sector by aligning education systems with industrial needs, embracing technological advancements, and increasing capital investment. They also emphasized the value of regional collaboration, public sensitization on the significance of defence investment, and inclusive human resource strategies that build capacity not only within the military but also among civilians by nurturing local innovation.
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