President William Ruto commended Kenyatta University for its role in enhancing the professional development of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers. Speaking at the Cadets Commissioning Parade at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet on Friday, May 31, 2024, Ruto highlighted the university’s contribution in creating a Bachelor of Science in Military Studies course.
The Head of State noted that 11 cohorts of General Service Officer Cadets have pursued and excelled in this curriculum, gaining valuable advanced professional experience.
“I also extend special gratitude to Kenyatta University for its invaluable partnership with KDF in designing and implementing the curriculum for the Bachelors of Science in Military Security Studies which has now served 11 cohorts of General Service Officer Cadets,” Ruto stated.
President lauded the partnership insisting that it has helped shape the key tenets and produced fully-baked professional soldiers who are now at the forefront in reforming the military.
“This commendable collaboration has prepared our officers to effectively promote our national interests and the collective interests of our region,” Ruto added.
President William Ruto emphasized the importance of achieving full military independence by transitioning the academic training of cadets from Kenyatta University to the National Defence University of Kenya (NDU-K).
He announced that NDU-K will now offer cadets a Bachelor of Science Degree in Defence and Security Studies. Ruto described this move as historic, noting that it will establish the National Defence University as an autonomous institution for advanced military education.
“Additionally, I welcome the transition from the Kenya Military Academy into the National Defence University of Kenya which will now offer cadets a Bachelor of Science Degree in Defence and Security Studies marking a new chapter in the academic and professional development of our officers,” Ruto announced.
President William Ruto announced that the debut cadet cohort under the National Defence University of Kenya (NDU-K) is set to be commissioned in 2025. He also challenged the cadets to leverage technology to safeguard Kenya’s borders against various threats.
Ruto highlighted that the country faces multiple security challenges, including terrorism, transnational organized crime, cybersecurity threats, the security-related impacts of climate change, banditry, and cattle rustling.
“The country looks to you, the Kenyan contingent in this cohort, as future leaders of the KDF, to be at the forefront of devising imaginative and efficient strategies to combat these threats effectively,” he stated.
We pay tribute to our KDF officers for their sacrifice, selflessness and bravery in defending and protecting our country. Through our innovative and proactive approaches, Kenya will also secure and make the region more peaceful and stable.
At the Kenya Military Academy – Lanet,… pic.twitter.com/gmtUUHM2FD
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) May 31, 2024
