Kenya’s Joint Command and Staff College has opened Junior Joint Command and Staff Course No. 105/26, beginning a 14-week programme of professional military education for officers drawn from across the country’s armed services.
The course opened on 7 September under the leadership of the college commandant, Major General Eric Kinuthia. Brigadier Makonani Balata, commander of Lang’ata Garrison, and Brigadier Seif Rashid, the college’s chief instructor, attended alongside departmental heads.
Preparing Officers for Joint Operations
According to the Kenya Ministry of Defence, Kinuthia urged the officers to approach the programme with discipline, focus and teamwork. He emphasised “jointness”: the doctrine and shared outlook required for land, air, maritime and other military components to operate together.
The junior course is designed mainly for captains and junior majors. It develops the staff skills required for Grade 3 appointments and helps officers move beyond the perspective of a single service towards integrated planning and command.
Why Professional Military Education Matters
Modern security operations increasingly require coordination among military services and with civilian institutions. Officers must understand logistics, intelligence, communications, law and strategic decision-making as well as the capabilities of their own branch.
The college was established to build that capacity within Kenya and reduce reliance on overseas training. It also hosts officers from partner countries, giving the institution a regional role in professional military education and defence cooperation.
Training is only one part of effective security governance. Professional education must be matched by accountability, civilian oversight and responsible management of state resources. Afrikeye has also examined the Kenya Defence Ministry’s work on asset and liability oversight.
The opening of Course No. 105/26 marks the beginning of that process for a new group of officers. Their assessment will come through how effectively they apply joint planning and leadership principles in future command and staff responsibilities.
