Inside New KDF Training Complex Handed Over by Trump Administration

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has unveiled a new academic and administrative complex at the National Defence College (NDC) in Karen.

It is a facility developed through the Kenya-United States defence partnership and was officially handed over by the US government under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The new complex is expected to boost the college’s capacity to train senior military officers, civilian officials and strategic leaders from Kenya and across the region, strengthening its role as a centre for peace, security and strategic studies.

In addition the complex includes a four-story classroom and office building, a two-story library and an auditorium.

United States Military Group

This project was implemented through the United States Military Group as part of the longstanding defence cooperation between the two countries.

According to KDF, the modern facilities provide additional classrooms, administrative offices and improved learning spaces that will support research, professional military education and strategic leadership development.

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Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF) Lieutenant General John Omenda presided over the handover ceremony on behalf of Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.

He said the project reflects the enduring relationship between Kenya and the United States, adding that the investment extends beyond infrastructure to strengthening the country’s institutional capacity to respond to evolving security challenges.

“This ceremony symbolises far more than the completion of a building. It represents the enduring friendship, mutual trust and strategic partnership between the Republic of Kenya and the United States of America,” Omenda said.

New Facilities

He also thanked the US government for its continued support in Kenya’s defence and security capacity-building efforts.

National Defence College Commandant Lieutenant General Juma Mwinyikai said the new facilities will provide a better environment for learning while enabling the institution to deliver its mandate of preparing strategic leaders to tackle contemporary and emerging security challenges.

United States Chargé d’Affaires Carla Benini said the complex demonstrates the longstanding partnership between the two countries and represents an investment in future generations of strategic leaders who will study at the college.

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The ceremony was attended by senior KDF officers, officials from the US government, representatives of the United States Military Group, NDC faculty members, Course 39 participants and other invited guests.

According to KDF, the expansion marks another milestone in transforming the National Defence College into a stronger institution for strategic education, leadership development, and regional security cooperation.

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