Kenya adopting new approaches in tackling security threats - Ruto

By Peter Ochieng

Kenya is adopting new approaches aimed at tackling emerging security threats, president William Ruto has said.

Speaking on Friday during the inaugural graduation ceremony of the National Defence University of Kenya (NDU-K) in Lanet, Nakuru County, the Head of State said his government is committed to enhancing education and training of members of security services, to prepare them for the challenges of the modern insecurity in the world.

The president noted that much focus will be on equipping security personnel with skills and knowledge, to help them navigate contemporary security complexities.

“For a long time, the popular image of security or defence was of a sector that was not only deficient in education, but had no time for ideas and certainly averse to higher learning."

"Security agencies will employ theoretically sound, evidence-based, data-driven and innovative approaches to problem-solving," he added.

The President encouraged graduates to elevate their skills, by actively partnering with, and seeking input from experts across diverse fields.

“This is how you build and sustain the capacity to prevail in the face of complex challenges,” he noted.

He said his administration is implementing the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) as a strategy to empowering the people to keep them away from illegal practices that may lead to instability.

“We know that extreme poverty and stark inequality create fertile grounds for the recruitment of embittered and frustrated young people into various forms of lawlessness."

NDU-K was established under Section 24 of the Universities Education Act, 2012 on 27 May 2021.

The University offers specialized certificates, diplomas and degrees in areas related to Defence and security, as well as other dimensions of security.

Its vision is a centre of excellence in training, education and research in national security and strategy.

As Chief of Defense Forces, president Ruto is the chancellor, while Francis Ogolla, Chief of Defense Forces is the Vice Chancellor.