National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) on September 26 2025 held a successful validation workshop for the Presidential research tasking on Femicide and the place of Fake news, Misinformation, and Disinformation (FMD) on Governance in Kenya in Karen Kenya. The event was presided over by the NDU-K Vice-Chancellor (VC), Lieutenant General David Tarus.

During the 2nd graduation ceremony in November 2024, His Excellency President William Ruto who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, and Chancellor of NDU-K, tasked the University to conduct two research works;One examining the Femicide Crisis in Kenya and another examining the Place of Fake News, Misinformation and Disinformation (FMD) on Governance in Kenya.

VC Reaffirmed Mandate

In his address to the congregants, Lt.Gen.Tarus, re-affirmed NDU-K’s mandate ,”our mandate remains training and building capacity as well as conducting research and innovation in the niche areas of National security and strategy so as to contribute to National Security and development.”

He expressed confidence that research, innovation, and technology at NDU-K could enhance national.” Through research, innovation and technology the nation can enhance its resilience in a dynamic security environment, thereby securing national development and prosperity.” He said

Presentation of Findings

A detailed presentation on the research, outlined objectives, key themes, research findings, and recommendations. The presentation provided a foundation for discussion, allowing participants to critically analyse the content and provide informed feedback.

The discussion focused on Root cause of Femicide, its impacts on Society, and social- cultural trends and patterns of femicide in Kenya. Other topics included ;Impact of Fake news, Misinformation and Disinformation on Governance, and the Effectiveness of government instruments in curbing FMD.

The research entailed geographical, Socio-economic, religious and cultural contexts, highlighting varying dimensions of Femicide, and FMD in both urban and rural settings among communities with diverse beliefs, livelihoods and institutional capabilities.

Closing Remarks

In his closing remarks, Lt. Gen Tarus underscored the critical role research plays in achievement of the University’s mandate.

“It is through research that the University can proffer practical solutions to mitigate the various security challenges and influence national security policy and strategies”, he said.

The validation process is a step towards the end, as the team prepares to hand over their final refined findings to the C-in-C in the coming days.

NDU-K workshop in Karen. PHOTO/KDF X.