Ruto urges National Defence University to spearhead security innovation, research

President William Ruto has emphasised the critical role of technology in shaping modern defence strategies.

Speaking in Nakuru on Friday during the second graduation ceremony of the National Defence University of Kenya, Ruto called for swift action to position the university as a leader in security-focused research and innovation.

“It is imperative that this university moves with urgency to establish itself firmly as a hub of security-related research and innovation so as to consolidate Kenya’s military capabilities while developing valuable technologies with broad civilian value,” he said

Ruto highlighted key areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and advanced data systems as essential pillars of Kenya’s defence framework.

“Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and advanced data systems must become fundamental pillars of our national defence strategy,” Ruto said.

He underscored the need for the university to lead efforts in developing technologies that not only bolster defence capabilities but also offer significant effort in propelling economic growth and modernizing infrastructure.

The President challenged the graduating class of 2024 to lead in adopting and deploying transformative technologies.

“I challenge the class of 2024 and the entire student body to lead in adopting and deploying these transformative technologies, not only for national defence but also to drive economic growth, modernise infrastructure, and uplift society,” Ruto said.

He highlighted the role of youth, as digital natives, in driving innovation under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

“The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda offers the university opportunities to channel Kenya’s young talent into emerging fields, fostering innovation and contributing to national development.”

“As digital natives, our youth hold the key to transforming productivity through technology, and the university should collaborate with government ministries and agencies to harness this potential,” Ruto said.

Ruto reiterated his commitment to equipping Kenya’s defence forces with the training and resources necessary to excel.

“I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that our defence forces receive the training, equipment, and support they need to excel.”