Courses Offered at Kenya’s National Defence University
Courses Offered at Kenya’s National Defence University. The National Defence University of Kenya (NDU-K) is located in Lanet, Nakuru County. George Magoha, a former education minister, handed the university a charter on May 27, 2021.
NDU-K’s long-held purpose has been to provide higher education to both domestic and international General Service Officers (GSOs).
NDU-K is the only institution of its kind in the area, offering certifications, diplomas, and degrees in subjects related to defence and security.
According to security analysts, Kenya has consistently been at the forefront of the pack when it comes to creating security institutions that provide strategic training for security personnel in the East African region.
It was the first country to establish the National Defence University, as well as a staff college and a national defence college.
According to retired general Robert Kibochi, the country’s investment in military education is important to stay ahead of growing threats, as he stated in one of his speeches.
In June 2021, the National Intelligence Research University (NIRUC) was established as a constituent institution of the National Defence University.
All KDF schools and institutions that fall under the umbrella organization of the NDU-K are the National Defence College (NDC), the Defence Staff College (DSC), the Kenya Military Academy (KMA), the Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC), and the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC).
The university’s chancellor is President William Ruto, who also serves as the head of the Kenya Defence Forces.
The university council, led over by General Francis Ogolla, Chief of the Defence Forces, is the highest administrative and management decision-making body.
Courses
The National Defence University offers the following courses:
- Studies in Defence and Security as a Bachelor of Science
- Information Technology for Defence Systems Bachelor of Science
- Masters of Arts in Disaster and Crisis Response
- National Security and Strategy Masters of Arts
- Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic and Defence Studies
The courses are open to both domestic and international students.
The university held its first commencement ceremony on December 2, 2022, during which the first cohort of 177 cadets graduated in a dynamic and historic event presided by university vice-chancellor Lt. Gen. Jonah Mwangi.
The graduation class included cadets from Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Mozambique.
National Defence University
The National Defence College, after the NDU-K, is Kenya’s premier military training centre.
It began in 1992 as an alternative to more expensive abroad training for Kenyan officers.
However, because developing a comprehensive curriculum was challenging, the first course was not made available until July 1977.
Classes at the college have resumed as usual since then, with an increase in the number of students from European, Asian, and African countries.
In May 2000, the college was transferred to Karen to provide a better training environment and amenities.
In 2002, the college partnered with the University of Nairobi to broaden its curriculum, and it now provides diploma and master’s degrees in international studies.
The National Defence College offers a course called National Security and Strategy. After completing this 48-week course, qualified cadets may apply to the Masters of Arts, Diploma, or Certificate in International Studies programs.
President William Ruto officiated at the college’s 25th commencement ceremony on May 25, 2023.