Demand for security studies up in varsities
Police carry out security checks at Uhuru Park shortly before a rally on June 1, 2016. More security courses will be introduced in universities. PHOTO | WILLIAM OERI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Institutions of higher learning that would not offer disciplines in security have over the years introduced courses that have become popular with the police, military and companies.
- Commission for University Education Chief Executive Officer David Some told the Daily Nation the launch of security studies was overdue.
Demand for security training is on the rise as the government and the private sector strive to fight terrorism, which has become the biggest threat to peace and the economy in Kenya.
Institutions of higher learning that would not offer disciplines in security have over the years introduced courses that have become popular with the police, military and companies.
The traditional police and military academies and colleges exclusively offered the courses but institutions such as Kenyatta University and Egerton University have introduced State-recognised courses.
On Thursday, Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i will launch the latest security centre at KCA University (KCA-U) that will offer certificates, diplomas and degrees in security studies.
The Centre for Security Studies and Diplomacy is a collaboration of KCA-U and the East African Institute of Security Studies.
The KCA-U Vice-Vhancellor Noah Midamba said: “We are cognizant of our role in giving innovative programmes and hence are honoured to contribute to emerging national and regional challenges through intellectual contribution.”
The universities are struggling to analyse data, especially on terrorism, with the aim of identifying trends and developing research-based solutions.
“The main focus of the centre is the development of research, skills in security studies and policy,” added Dr Simiyu Werunga, the founder and CEO, East African Institute of Security Studies.
Commission for University Education Chief Executive Officer David Some told the Daily Nation the launch of security studies was overdue.
“Universities across the globe such as in the United Kingdom have fully fledged departments and schools just looking at security studies,” said Prof Some.
The KCA Centre will start by offering certificates and diplomas and thereafter graduate and post-graduate courses.
The first students will choose courses such as counter-terrorism, case management procedures, crime analytical skills, peace support and conflict management, law enforcement and security sector reforms.
There is also a course in journalism in conflict and war zones. The Media Council of Kenya is also set to begin training journalists on reporting on terrorism and violent extremism.
