President William Ruto attended the second graduation ceremony at the National Defence University of Kenya (NDU-K), marking a significant milestone for the institution and its graduands. The event, held at the university’s campus, was a momentous occasion that celebrated the accomplishments of the cadets and students who had completed their programs in various fields related to defense, security, and leadership.
The ceremony saw President Ruto warmly received by key government officials, including Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba also attended, underscoring the importance of education within Kenya’s defense sector. The presence of such high-ranking leaders highlighted the national significance of the event.
In his speech, President Ruto lauded the graduates for their hard work and perseverance, encouraging them to uphold the core values that the institution embodies. “The National Defence University of Kenya has become a symbol of excellence, integrity, and service,” the President said. He emphasized that these values were not just academic accomplishments but fundamental principles that would guide the graduates in their future roles in serving the nation.
The President also stressed the crucial role the graduates would play in shaping the future of Kenya and Africa at large. “You are not just soldiers, you are leaders, educators, and custodians of peace and security in our country and beyond,” he stated. Ruto reminded the graduands that their education at NDU-K was not only about individual growth but about contributing to the broader vision of peace, security, and prosperity across the continent.
He urged the graduates to embrace their roles with a sense of duty, integrity, and patriotism. “Serve the people with courage, honour, and unwavering patriotism. Your commitment to service is what will propel Kenya and Africa forward,” he said. This call to action emphasized the government’s commitment to building a more secure and stable Africa, where challenges are faced collectively, and opportunities for growth are shared.
The President also noted the strategic importance of the National Defence University of Kenya, which plays a vital role in shaping the future of the country’s military and defense leadership. The university, Ruto pointed out, is not just an institution of academic excellence, but a center that equips leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to respond to modern security challenges.
The NDU-K, which offers programs ranging from military leadership to international security studies, has become a beacon of innovation and thought leadership in the defense sector. The university’s growth is in line with Kenya’s broader aspirations to enhance its national security capabilities while contributing to regional peacekeeping efforts.
As President Ruto concluded his address, he urged the graduates to continue fostering a sense of community, responsibility, and national pride. He highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving the shared goal of a prosperous and secure Kenya. The President’s message to the graduates resonated deeply, encouraging them to not only carry their academic achievements with pride but also to contribute actively to the nation’s development and security.
The ceremony, which saw a large number of graduates receive their diplomas, also featured various cultural performances and displays from the university’s military bands, adding a celebratory touch to the formal proceedings.
In a country where defense and security are increasingly pivotal to national stability, the graduation at the National Defence University of Kenya represents not just an academic achievement but a call to service. As the graduands prepare to embark on their careers, their dedication to service will be crucial in Kenya’s continued journey toward regional and global peace and prosperity.
