The National Defence University of Kenya, situated in Lanet, Nakuru County, offers a range of academic programs related to military and defence studies. Former education minister, George Magoha, granted the institution a charter on May 27, 2021.
NDU-K has a longstanding commitment to offering higher education to General Service Officers (GSOs), both from within Kenya and internationally.
It stands as the only institution of its calibre in the region, granting certifications, diplomas, and degrees in fields related to defence and security studies.
Security experts note that Kenya has been at the forefront of setting up security institutions that train personnel across East Africa. Kenya led by creating the National Defence University, a staff college, and a national defence college.
Previously, retired General Robert Kibochi had stressed the importance of investing in military education to deal with growing threats.
Here are all the institutions that also fall under the National Defence University of Kenya umbrella:
- National Defence College (NDC)
- Defence Staff College (DSC)
- Kenya Military Academy (KMA)
- Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC)
- International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC)
- National Intelligence Research University (NIRUC)
The head of the Kenya Defence Forces, President William Ruto holds the position of chancellor at the university. The university council is the top administrative and managerial decision-making body.
It was headed by the late General Francis Ogolla. Lt. Gen Charles Muriu Kahariri is the current acting Chief of Defence Forces and chair of the university council.
Amount of compensation money families of fallen KDF soldiers get
Courses
The following are some of the courses offered by the military training institution:
- 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 University’s commencement ceremony, held on December 2nd, 2022 was presided over by Lt. Gen Jonah Mwangi. A total of 177 cadets from Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Mozambique graduated during the ceremony.
National Defence College
The National Defence College, second only to NDU-K, is Kenya’s primary military training centre. It was established in 1992, as a more cost-effective option for training Kenyan officers instead of sending them abroad.
However, due to the complexity of developing a thorough curriculum, the first course wasn’t available until July 1977. Since then, classes at the college have been running smoothly, with an increasing number of students from Europe, Asia, and Africa.
In May 2000, the college relocated to Karen for improved training facilities and amenities.
By 2002, it forged a partnership with the University of Nairobi, expanding its curriculum to offer diploma and master’s degrees in international studies.
One of its flagship courses is “National Security and Strategy,” which takes up to 48 weeks. Graduates of this course can pursue further studies in the Master of Arts, Diploma, or Certificate programs in International Studies.
On May 25, 2023, President William Ruto presided over the college’s 25th commencement ceremony.
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Are all Kenyans allowed to enroll
I wish to serve my country under the Kenya Defence force
Are all Kenyans allowed to enroll?
Wish one day I become will be studying there
I want to perue Criminology, Criminal justice and Public safety
What are the enrollment requirements for interested parties
Do civilians allowed to study there or you have to be from military?
I am intrested in joining the university I had a B+
Does this mean that those who don’t meet the university cut off points will never join the forces? Does it also mean that all recruits must pursue on of the courses?
Hello,
I a Kenyan citizen. I have a passion to work with and for our beloved military in our endeavour to make Kenya a country with a difference regionally and globally.
Being a civilian, can I join your faculty to provide skills contribution in teaching and learning. I am a Senior Lecturer actively in the civil service.