Kenyan delegation engages with NSC on national security and resilience

On 14 April, the ANU National Security College (NSC) hosted a delegation from the Kenyan National Defence College, led by Major General Stelu Lekolool, Senior Directing Staff.

Students from the National Defence College’s capstone course visited NSC to engage on Australia’s national security outlook, including Australia’s role in the Indo‑Pacific, and the core elements shaping contemporary national security policy. The delegation was also briefed on the outcomes of NSC’s recent national community consultations report, highlighting public expectations of national security, preparedness and resilience, and how these insights inform policy advice to government.

The delegation heard expert perspectives from Honorary Professor (International Law) Matthew Neuhaus – a leading authority on Australian–African relations at ANU – who explored the shared strategic challenges and common priorities covering counter terrorism, freedom of navigation and climate change, underscoring the importance of integrated regional security thinking.

A key highlight was hearing directly from Kenyan students currently studying at NSC, who spoke to the practical value and real‑world impact of the College's teaching and research on their professional practice.

This was complemented by remarks from NSC Academic Director Associate Professor Mike Cohen on the design of the NSC Master’s degree and its role in preparing practitioners for contemporary security challenges.

Discussions also reflected on evolving global challenges, including declining trust in government institutions, and the increasing risks associated with artificial intelligence and critical technology governance. NSC also outlined its strong engagement with parliamentarians and their staff, including targeted teaching and capability‑building programs designed to uplift civic and political leader literacy on national security issues.

The exchange highlighted strong alignment between the National Security College and the Kenyan National Defence College, with both institutions taking a broad, whole‑of‑system view of national security and public servant capability development.

NSC is proud to host such a high‑level delegation, further advancing the College’s Africa strategy developed in 2024, which focuses on building stronger connections across Africa and the Indian Ocean as a vital component of Australia’s Indo‑Pacific security engagement. As the saying goes: we must protect the “front fence” – Africa and the Indian Ocean – that guards the house: Australia and the Pacific.