President Ruto grants charter to National Intelligence and Research University

President William Ruto, accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, officially awarded a charter to the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU) on Tuesday, November 5.

The new institution, which was previously a constituent college of the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K), will now function as an independent university, focusing on intelligence studies and security research.

NIRU’s creation follows the country’s broader strategy to enhance its security infrastructure. This includes the establishment of specialised training institutions, such as the Kenya Military Academy (KMA), the International Peace Support Training Center, and the Defense Forces Technical College, among others.

The design of these institutions is to develop a well-trained, professional security apparatus capable of addressing both conventional and non-conventional threats in the region.

While NIRU will focus primarily on intelligence training and research, it will also manage several other key security-related educational bodies. These include the Centre for Security Studies, which will serve as another constituent college under the university, as well as a range of military and peacekeeping academies that fall under the National Defence University.

The university’s academic offerings will include undergraduate and postgraduate programs, specialised diplomas, and higher diploma courses in areas related to national security, intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, and international peace and conflict resolution.

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

Out of these numbers, NIRUC offers four master’s degrees 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

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. Defense and Strategic Studies (JCSC).

Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor of Science in Defense and Security Studies (KMA).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Military Health (DCHS)

Higher Diploma Courses & Diploma Courses

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

2. Perioperative Nursing (DCHS)

3. Critical Care Nursing (DCHS)

Diploma Courses

1. National Security and Strategy (NDC)

2. Defense 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

The programs listed below will soon launch 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 Defense 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.