Security
The National Defence University Kenya (NDU-K) has partnered with Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, aimed at enhancing professionalism and advanced leadership education in the security sector.
The African Center for Strategic Studies is part of the United State Department of Defense’s regional center enterprise. It has held a forum for the senior military and a civilian national security official in order to exchange perspectives on how to strengthen education and development.
Speaking in Nairobi on during the senior professional military education commandant’s forum, Vice Chancellor of National Defense College –Kenya, Lieutenant General Jimson Mutai emphasized on the importance of advancing the education and development of military leaders.
While acknowledging the scholars, experts and other contributors who worked tirelessly to develop materials that will be shared during the three days of discussion, Mutai termed the conference as a landmark that will shape the military leadership in addressing various security challenges being faced today.
“We acknowledge the unique challenges and immense opportunities that are characterized in the current global and regional security environment, which are not unique to individual states or regions, rather they are global in nature,” he said.
Mutai noted that global security is characterized by a mix of traditional and non –traditional threats, influenced by geopolitical, technological, economic and environmental factors adding that the complex mix has made the global security environment increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous.
“Africa’s landscape is multifaceted and characterized by threats such as terrorism, cyber threats and regional conflict,” he maintained, adding that the ability to address these issues hinges on the quality of military education, which should ensure that leaders are not only aware of the threats, but also equipped with the strategies to counter them.
He underscored that the professional military education is the heart of preparing leaders to meet both traditional and emerging security challenges and through it, they foster strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and sound military capabilities among military personnel.
Mutai maintained that the education aims to develop leaders who can navigate the complexities of modern warfare and security environments with competence and confidence as he maintains that the military education system lies in the regional collaboration which makes it critical.
He added that establishing robust networks and partnerships among the military colleges, resources can be shared, expertise and best practices since it is essential in fostering a unified defense strategy across the continent.
Mutai advised that it is imperative to continuously adapt professional Military Education Curricula, aligned to leverage emerging technologies, noting that in recent years, there have been advancements in digital technology which enables simulation training, provides digital learning and threats in security environments posed by developments such Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Vice Chancellor noted that despite opportunities being provided by technologies and advancement, human capital still remains their most valuable asset, stressing that they must invest in people by providing them with tools and knowledge needed to excel in their roles.
“We have a role to develop future commanders, generals, strategies and policy makers in order to underscore the importance of continuous professional development and lifelong learning in maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of our military personnel,” he stated.
As he acknowledges the challenges faced in the military such as resource constraint and political instability, Mutai recognized the opportunities for growth and innovation and urged scholars to endure collective strength and working together in order to overcome challenges and enhance professional military education across the continent.
The Vice Chancellor has urged all stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity to collaboratively innovate and work together to develop solutions that will enhance professional Military Education for the security and stability of the continent.
“The lessons learnt must be taken back to respective institutions and be implemented in order to drive continuous improvement in military education,” he maintained, adding that professional military education is the cornerstone of the efforts to build a secure and stable Africa and the world at large.
