Laban Cliff Onserio, a communications expert and journalist, has been admitted to the National Defence University Kenya (NDU-K) to pursue a second Master’s Degree in Crisis and Disaster Management.
This move, he said, marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career, which has seen him excel in journalism, corporate leadership, and strategic communications.
Onserio, whose diverse career spans various sectors, expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter at Africa’s premier military institution.
“This opportunity allows me to focus on strategic communications in Crisis and Disaster Management, integrating my experiences in human capital, journalism, and corporate leadership,” he shared.
His course will be conducted under NDU-K’s International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Karen, Nairobi, a hub for advanced military and security training.
NDU-K, renowned as Africa’s leading military school, houses several esteemed colleges, including the National Intelligence and Research College, Joint Command College, and the National Defence College.
The institution plays a critical role in shaping the continent’s security landscape by equipping leaders with the skills to handle complex challenges.
Onserio has pointed out that the importance of crisis management in Kenya and Africa cannot be overstated.
The region faces a myriad of challenges, from natural disasters and political instability to public health emergencies.
Effective crisis management is vital not only for saving lives but also for protecting economic stability, he said.
Swift, coordinated responses to unforeseen events are essential to ensuring sustainable development and resilience in the face of adversity.
Onserio emphasized the need for robust crisis management frameworks across Africa, stating, “By building strong crisis management systems, African nations can better withstand the shocks of crises and pave the way for continued growth and development.”
Throughout his career, Onserio has demonstrated a profound ability to lead and communicate in high-pressure environments.
He previously served at the President’s Delivery Unit, a government project execution arm supported by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, where he honed his skills in strategic leadership and project management.
Onserio’s journalism career has been equally impressive. He has worked with CNBC Africa and the Nation Media Group (NMG), East Africa’s largest integrated media house.
During his tenure at NMG, he earned a fellowship at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, further solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in business journalism. His excellence was recognized in 2011 when he was named Africa’s Best Newcomer in business journalism at the Diageo Africa Awards in London.
Currently, Onserio serves as the East Africa Regional Director of the Chief of Staff Association (CSA) in the UK, the world’s representative body of Chiefs of Staff in government, private sector, and military circles.
