Change of guard at NDU-K as Lt. Gen. Tarus officially takes over as VC
By Mustafa Juma, July 8, 2025Lieutenant General David Tarus has officially taken over as the 4th Vice-Chancellor of the National Defence University–Kenya (NDU-K).
This follows his appointment by President William Ruto, who also serves as the Chancellor of the university.
The handover ceremony, held at the university’s main campus in Lanet, Nakuru County, on Monday, July 7, 2025, marked a significant leadership transition in one of Kenya’s premier institutions for defence and strategic studies.
Lt. Gen. Tarus succeeds Lt. Gen. Jimson Mutai, who has led the university through a period of rapid growth and institutional strengthening.
University’s strategic direction
During the ceremony, the incoming vice-chancellor was comprehensively briefed on the university’s strategic direction, current initiatives, and notable achievements, which include the successful accreditation of new academic programs and the expansion of local and international partnerships.
According to a press statement shared by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Lt. Gen. Tarus praised his predecessor for exemplary service, dedication, and visionary leadership in his inaugural address.
He pledged to build on the solid foundation laid and committed to enhancing the university’s capacities and partnerships in pursuit of academic and strategic excellence.
Multidisciplinary approach
Lt. Gen. Tarus also underscored the need for synergy between the military, academia, law enforcement, intelligence services, and the civilian sector, calling for a multidisciplinary approach to strategic education.
“As a premier defence university, we will continue to be a hub for multi-domain learning. Let’s continue to foster synergy between the military, academia, policymakers, law enforcement, intelligence, and the civil sector, creating a rich ecosystem of cross-cutting ideas and strategic thought,” he was quoted by KDF.
On his part, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Lt. Gen. Mutai, thanked the NDU-K fraternity for their unwavering support throughout his tenure and encouraged them to offer the same cooperation to the incoming leadership.
He highlighted the growth in academic offerings, institutional expansion, and ongoing reforms aimed at aligning curriculum with modern-day security challenges.