President Ruto Awards Charter To National Intelligence And Research University

President William Ruto has officially awarded a charter to the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU), transitioning it from a constituent college of the National Defence University (NDU) to an independent institution dedicated to intelligence studies and security research.

While presiding over the event, President Ruto said that NIRU will play a crucial role in bolstering Kenya’s security capabilities in the face of modern challenges such as terrorism and cyber threats.

“Chartering the National Intelligence Research University is especially timely as Kenya faces complex security challenges,” said President Ruto.

He explained that the university will provide specialized training and conduct advanced research to equip intelligence officers with the skills needed to protect both national and regional interests.

Furthermore, President Ruto called on NIRU to expand its reach to include students from the global South, enhancing the university’s diversity and deepening understanding within the security sector.

He encouraged NIRU to align its programs with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the Fourth Medium-Term Plan, and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), initiatives that emphasize technology as the driving force behind Kenya’s continued leadership in regional and global security.

President William Ruto awarded the charter of National Intelligence and Research University at State House, Nairobi to NIS Director Noordin Haji.

The President stressed the importance of universities in supporting the country’s digital economy, emphasizing that education and training must align with Kenya’s national, regional, and global development ambitions.

Additionally, Ruto highlighted the need for close collaboration between universities and industry to ensure graduates are equipped to meet the country’s evolving needs in fields like engineering, security, and digital innovation.

“Universities and industry must work together to prepare future engineers to meet Kenya’s development needs,” he stated.

He urged the Commission for University Education (CUE) to rigorously oversee academic standards, ensuring that Kenyan universities meet regional and international benchmarks.

National Intelligence and Research University College (NIRUC). PHOTO/ NIRUC.

Courses offered at NIRUC and admission

NIRUC has been operating as one of the seven constituent colleges of the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K).

Others are National Defence College (NDC), Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC), Kenya Military Academy (KMA), International Peace Support Training Centre, Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC) and Defence College of Health Sciences (DCHS).

The Niruc was established in 2021 under Legal Notice No. 96 of 2021 and focuses on intelligence studies and research on complex security threats in order to protect national and regional interests.

NDU-K offers 24 programmes: 6 master’s degree courses, 2 postgraduate diplomas, 2 bachelor’s degree courses, 3 higher higher diploma programmes and 11 diploma courses.

Out of these numbers, NIRUC offers four master’s degree as follows:

1.Master of Arts in Intelligence, Security and Policy Studies

2.Master of Arts in Strategic Intelligence Studies

3.Master of Science in Technology and Intelligence Studies

4.Master of Arts in Strategic Intelligence Communication

President Ruto is chancellor of NDU-K, while Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri and Lt Gen J L Mutai are the Chairperson and Vice-Chancellor of the university respectively.

NIRUC Principal is Dr Christopher Chumba.

Master’s Courses in Other NDU-K Colleges

1.Master of Arts in National Security & Strategy (NDC)

2.Master of Arts in Crisis Response & Disaster Management (IPSTC)

Postgraduate Diploma Courses

1.National Security and Strategy (NDC)

2.Defence and Strategic Studies (JCSC)

Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor of Science in Defence and Security Studies (KMA)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Military Health (DCHS)

Higher Diploma Course & Diploma Courses

1.Clinical Medicine and Surgery (Anesthesia) (DCHS)

2.Perioperative Nursing (DCHS)

3.Critical Care Nursing (DCHS)

“Degrees and Diplomas in other Colleges listed, currently admit participants/students from the military as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies,” reads a statement on NDU-K websites.

Diploma Courses

1.National Security and Strategy (NDC)

2.Defence and Strategic Studies (JCSC)

3.Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (DCHS)

4.Aeronautical Engineering (Airframes and Engine Option) (DEFTEC)

5.Automotive Engineering (DEFTEC)

6.Aerospace Ground Equipment (DEFTEC)

7.Aeronautical Engineering (Avionics Option) (DEFTEC)

8.Information Communication Technology (DEFTEC)

9.Marine Engineering (DEFTEC)

10.Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Power Option) (DEFTEC)

11.Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Telecommunication Option) (DEFTEC).

Courses to be Launched Soon

Here are the programs that are set to be launched soon at various NDU-K colleges

1.PhD in Crisis and Disaster Management (IPSTC)

2.PhD in National Security and Strategy (NDC)

3.Master of Arts in Gender and Peace Support Studies (IPSTC)

4.Master of Science in Information Technology for Defence Sciences (DEFTEC)

5.Master of Science in Weapon Engineering (DEFTEC)

6.Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering (DEFTEC)

“Degrees offered or are soon to be offered at IPSTC are open for application by non-military and Ministries, Departments and Agencies applicants. Please check our online platforms for more information,” NDU-K added on its website.