Ruto wants gov't officers to take up training at National Defence College

Ruto noted that since its inception in 1997, the National Defence College has enhanced the nation's capacity for security, socio-economic transformation, and national development.

"I wish to express my appreciation on the role and achievements of the National Defence College (NDC), an institution that has consistently maintained an admirable record and continues to make significant contribution towards positively shaping Kenya’s National Security and overall development agenda,” said Ruto.

He added: “I, therefore, urge all other MDAs (ministries, departments and agencies) to take up appropriate learning opportunities at NDC to enable us build a critical mass of likeminded senior officials who will contribute to national policy through home-grown solutions at the strategic level.”

The President noted that in public service, numerous alumni have risen to become Principal Secretaries and heads of such disciplined services such as; National Police Service, Kenya Prison Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, in Kenya, as well as other organisations in East Africa and the broader region at large.

"Many notable and highly accomplished Kenya Military Officers, who rose to be Chiefs of Defence Forces (including Generals Kianga, Karangi, Mwathethe, Kibochi and the current CDF, Gen Ogolla) are alumni of this institution," said Ruto.

"These distinguished NDC Alumni continue to influence and promote the development of organisations and policies necessary to enhance and harness available national

capacity and to determine realistic and practical ways and means of achieving national objectives through synergies and collaborations across government and public sector, in the wider context of National Security and National Interest."

The Head of State was speaking at the graduation ceremony of a special cohort of the National Defence College Course 25, of the Academic Year 2022/2023.

At the ceremony, 70 partipants graduated after undergoing training on National Security Policy and Strategy.

The Head of State called on the Ministry of Defence to prioritise expansion of the college.

“I wish to urge the Ministry of Defence to prioritize expanding the college’s facilities to meet the growing demand,” said Ruto.