The National Defence University of Kenya (NDU-K) is located in Lanet, Nakuru County. The university was awarded a charter on May 27, 2021, by former education minister George Magoha.
NDU-K was the materialization of a long-time vision to offer higher education to General Service Officers (GSOs) within the country and internationally.
The first of its kind in the region, NDU-K offers certificates, diplomas, and degrees in areas related to defense and security.
According to security analysts, Kenya has consistently been at the forefront of establishing security institutions to offer strategic studies for security professionals in the East African region.
It was the first country to establish a staff college, a National Defense College, and now the National Defence University.
In one of his speeches, retired Gen Robert Kibochi attributed the country’s investment in military education to the need to stay ahead of evolving threats.
In June 2021, the National Intelligence Research University College (NIRUC) was established as a constituent college of the National Defence University.
The NDU-K is an umbrella institution for various KDF schools and colleges, including 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, commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces.
In terms of governance and management, the university council is the highest decision-making organ, chaired by General Francis Ogolla, Chief of the Defence Forces.
Courses
The National Defence University offers the following courses:
- Bachelor of Science in Defence and Security Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology for Defence Systems
- Masters of Arts in Crisis Response and Disaster Management
- Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategy
- Postgraduate Diploma in Defense and Strategic Studies
The courses are open to domestic and international students.
The university held its first graduation ceremony on December 2, 2022, with the first cohort of 177 cadets graduating in a colorful and historic event presided over by the university vice-chancellor Lt. Gen Jonah Mwangi.
The graduating class comprised cadets from Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Mozambique.
National Defence College
The National Defence College is Kenya’s second-highest military educational institution after the NDU-K.
It was established in 1992 as an alternative to the increased costs of Kenyan officers training abroad.
However, due to the complexity of establishing a suitable curriculum, the first course was not offered until July 1977.
Since then, classes at the college have been running normally, with the number of participants increasing to include cadets from African, Asian, and European countries.
The college was moved to Karen in May 2000 to provide a better training environment and facilities.
In 2002, the college partnered with the University of Nairobi to offer Diploma and Masters of Arts Degrees in International Studies as part of its curriculum.
The National Defence College offers a course in National Security and Strategy. This course runs for 48 weeks, after which qualified cadets can enroll for Masters of Arts, Diploma, or Certificate in International studies.
On May 25, 2023, the 25th graduation ceremony took place at the college, presided by President William Ruto.
