OPEN UNIVERSITY OF KENYA PARTNERS WITH DEFENCE FORCES TECHNICAL COLLEGE TO BUILD MILITARY CAPACITY IN AI AND CYBERSECURITY

Latest News / October 19, 2025

Konza Technopolis, October 16, 2025 — The Open University of Kenya (OUK) hosted a delegation from the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K) at Konza Technopolis in a collaborative engagement aimed at strengthening professional development within the defence forces through technology-driven learning. The delegation, drawn from the Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC), was led by Colonel (Dr.) John R. Kisilu, the Deputy Commandant and included Major Alexander Tarus, the Head of the School of Science and Technology, alongside student representatives pursuing emerging fields of study in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.

The collaboration, which is facilitated by Huawei Technologies through its Academy Manager, Michael Kamau, seeks to build the capacity of DEFTEC students and staff in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. Through this partnership, the participants are undertaking the Huawei Certification in AI and Cybersecurity (HCAI-AI) courses, designed to enhance their digital competence and practical skills. Upon completion of these certifications, the pilot group of learners will progress to the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and the Master of Science in Cybersecurity starting in January 2026. The larger objective of this partnership is to progressively build capacity across the entire military in various domains of technology and innovation to meet emerging national and global demands.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Carolyne Omulando, (left) explains a point to members of the DEFTEC team during the collaborative meeting held at Konza Technopolis.

In her address, Prof. Omulando commended the officers for embracing digital learning and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting their educational journey. She remarked that OUK was honoured by their enrollment, noting that they were following in the footsteps of the Head of State, who has also joined the University. Colonel (Dr.) Kisilu described the collaboration as a timely response to the evolving digital needs of the military, emphasizing that DEFTEC was committed to financing the officers’ progression to Masters programmes upon successful completion of their professional courses. Ms. Ogonda reassured the learners of OUK’s continuous academic support, while Mr. Mulinge guided them through a practical session on navigating the Learning Management System (LMS), demonstrating how to access lectures, upload assignments and interact with instructors online.

The Chief ICT Officer, Mr. Dan Mulinge, demonstrates how to navigate the Learning Management System (LMS) during the meeting session with the DEFTEC team.

The delegation later met the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elijah Omwenga, who officially welcomed them to the University and expressed appreciation for their decision to embrace open and distance learning. He observed that the University’s flexible and accessible online model aligns well with the needs of modern professionals, particularly those in demanding fields such as the military. The Vice-Chancellor noted that the University looks forward to expanding the collaboration to benefit more officers across the Defence Forces.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Elijah Omwenga, (in red necktie) poses for a photo with representatives of the Defence Forces Technical College (DEFTEC): Col. (Dr.) John R. Kisilu (left), Maj. Alexander K. Tarus, Head of ICT at DEFTEC, Prof. Carolyn Omulando (in yellow), and Mr. Dan Mulinge (right).

The partnership between the Open University of Kenya, the Defence Forces Technical College and Huawei Technologies marks a significant step in advancing digital education and national capacity building. It reflects a shared vision of integrating Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity into defence training, ultimately aligning Kenya’s military expertise with emerging global technologies and innovations that will shape the future of national security.

The University team included Ms. Bernice Ogonda, Senior Assistant Registrar (Admissions); Ms. Elizabeth Makau, Programs Manager; Mr. Daniel Mulinge, Chief ICT Officer (eLearning Technologies); Mr. Frank Otieno, Corporate Communications and Marketing Officer; and Mr. Godfrey Wabwire, ICT Officer (Learner Support).

The DEFTEC delegation featured student representatives from both the Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence classes—Lieutenant Ali Mohammed, Second Lieutenant Mary Gikundi, and Warrant Officer II Dominic Rono from the Cybersecurity class, together with Captain Daniel Wekesa, Lieutenant Elizabeth Obare, and Civilian Alphonse Mwiti from the Artificial Intelligence class.

#OpenUniversityofKenya #OUKDEFTECPartnership #AIEducation #CyberSecurityTraining #DigitalSkillsKenya #YourFutureIsOpen

 

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The Open University of Kenya (OUK) is a virtual learning institution deeply committed to advancing education and driving socio-economic growth within Kenya and beyond. Access to higher education has remained a major challenge in Kenya and this has disadvantaged citizens who seek to improve their knowledge, upscale skills and for posterity. Experts have noted that increasing the number of educational institutions so as to match the rate of population growth is an extremely difficult if not impossible solution especially when financial and other resource constraints are considered. Open and Distance Learning approaches, coupled with innovative ICT solutions, have proofed viable alternatives to providing excellent education to millions of people located wherever and whenever by different life circumstances.