Duale calls for investment in intelligence gathering to fight insecurity

Defence CS Aden Duale (second left) during the launch of volume 1, Issue 2 of the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) Journal at the National Defence College (NDC) in Karen, Nairobi, on Tuesday. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called for increased investment in intelligence gathering and early warning systems to combat global, regional, and national security threats.

Duale said the global, regional, and national security threats were becoming increasingly complex and dynamic which calls for the country to be ready in terms of innovations, intelligence gathering and early warning systems.

Speaking during the launch of volume 1, Issue 2 of the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) Journal at the National Defence College (NDC) in Karen, Nairobi, the CS emphasized that early warning systems and adoption of a whole-of-government-approach was key in addressing security challenges.

"National security and development are joined at the hip since the government agenda on development can only be achieved in a peaceful environment where national security plays a pivotal role. We are aware that the global, regional, and national security environment are becoming increasingly complex and dynamic," he said.

Present during the event were the Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, the Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Jonah Mwangi, Service Commanders, and NDU-K Vice Chancellor Major General Said Farah among others.

The Defence CS said the fluid nature of the security environment, characterised by asymmetry and dynamic modus operandi, calls for change in tack to combat the adversary.

"Hence, the role of NDU-K in sharpening the professional skills and research capabilities of our personnel from the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) cannot be overemphasized," he said.

Duale noted that the publications in the NDU-K Journal are derived from diverse professions which together contribute to national security and prosperity.

"This academic research serves as the intellectual foundation upon which national security policies and strategies are built. It informs decision-makers, defence planners, and intelligence agencies with critical insights, innovative solutions, and a deeper understanding of emerging threats and challenges," he said.

Sharing well researched scholarly articles, the CS said, will be useful to the ministry and the government to develop policies and strategies to guarantee peace and security for national development.

"I congratulate the university management and the faculty members for devoting time and resources to develop this Journal with research papers that meet the national and global standards," he said.

"The NDU-K Journal themed, "Security institutions in national development," is evidence that the university is living up to what it was established to undertake; research and innovation in the fields of security and strategy to enhance national security and development," he added.

"The publications in the Journal are derived from diverse professions which together contribute to national security and prosperity which stamps NDU-K's authority in sharpening the professional skills and research capabilities of our personnel from the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)."

The CS promised that the ministry, will continue supporting the university to execute its mandate, to conduct research and proffer innovative solutions to address the challenges the disciplined forces face in the operation areas and support the national development agenda.