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President William Ruto has praised Kenyatta University for helping the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers gain relevant advanced professional experience.

During the Cadets Commissioning Parade at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet on Friday, May 31, 2024, Ruto revealed that Kenyatta University helped develop a Bachelor of Science in Military Studies course.

According to the Head of State, 11 cohorts of General Service Officer Cadets have pursued the curriculum and excelled.

“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.

Transition from Kenyatta University

Nonetheless, President William Ruto underscored the need for full military independence, announcing that the National Defence University of Kenya will now offer cadets a Bachelor of Science Degree in Defence and Security Studies.

Ruto termed the move historic, which he argued would make the National Defence University an autonomous institution in terms of offering advanced military courses.

“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.

The debut cadet cohort under the National Defence University is set to be commissioned in 2025, Ruto further announced.

Ruto challenging cadets

Meanwhile, Ruto has challenged them to leverage on technology to protect the Kenyan borders from any possible threat.

The Head of State noted that the country continues to face threats including terrorism, transnational organised 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