National Defence College opens strategic leadership course for senior officers

Senior military officers and government officials from Kenya and allied nations have begun a 12-month strategic leadership programme at the National Defence College in Nairobi, with the intake for Course No. 29 (2026/2027) including participants from Eswatini, The Gambia and Morocco for the first time.

The course was officially opened on Wednesday at the National Defence College campus in Karen by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.

The programme brings together participants drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces, various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, and partner and allied countries.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the 12-month academic and professional programme is designed to equip participants with strategic knowledge, leadership skills and analytical capabilities needed to navigate an increasingly complex security environment. It is also intended to prepare them for higher responsibilities in the management of national security and public administration.

The National Defence College is described as a premier institution for developing strategic leaders capable of advancing national interests, strengthening regional cooperation and responding to emerging security challenges through whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches.

Tuya congratulated the participants selected for the course and wished them success as they embark on the programme, which she said represents a journey of professional growth, strategic learning and service to their respective nations.

Also present at the opening ceremony were the Commandant of the National Defence College, Lieutenant General Juma Mwinyikai, Deputy Commandant (Military), Major General Yahya Abdi, and members of the college faculty.