The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has taken on a major international leadership role after being selected to chair the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Chiefs of Defence Network, a global platform that brings together defence chiefs and senior military leaders to promote the role of women in peace, security and conflict prevention.
The appointment places Kenya at the centre of efforts to strengthen cooperation among member countries and advance inclusive approaches to global security.
KDF officially assumed the chairmanship during the Network’s annual meeting held in Dublin, Ireland, on June 26.
The leadership was handed over by Irish Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy during a meeting attended by representatives from 24 member nations.
Kenya’s Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, was represented at the meeting by Major General Joyce Chelangat Sitienei, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the Centre for Security and Strategic Studies of the National Defence University-Kenya, and Brigadier Asma Diramo Kofa, the Chief of Provost.
After returning to Kenya, the delegation formally presented the chairmanship certificate to General Kahariri at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi on Tuesday.
According to KDF, the appointment reflects the growing confidence that the international community has in Kenya’s military leadership and its contribution to promoting peace and security through inclusive approaches.
In a statement, the military said Kenya’s election to lead the Network demonstrates increasing international trust in KDF’s leadership and its efforts to support peace and security while encouraging greater participation of women in security matters.
During its one-year term as chair, Kenya will guide the Network’s strategic priorities and oversee efforts to advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda among member countries.
The country will also work to strengthen cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges affecting different parts of the world.
The Women, Peace and Security agenda is based on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls for the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance and post-conflict recovery.
The resolution has become an important framework for countries seeking to improve gender inclusion within security institutions and peace processes.
Through this leadership role, KDF will have an opportunity to share its experience in integrating gender perspectives within defence institutions.
Kenya has over the years continued to promote the participation of women in different areas of military service while supporting international peace initiatives.
The appointment also comes at a time when KDF continues to strengthen its presence in regional and global security affairs.
The military has remained actively involved in peacekeeping operations, military diplomacy and defence partnerships with armed forces from countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Kenya’s growing role in international security has continued to attract recognition beyond the continent.
According to the 2026 Global Firepower Index, Kenya is ranked as the 12th strongest military in Africa and the 84th strongest globally.
The latest appointment is expected to further raise the country’s profile as it works with other nations to promote peace, strengthen security cooperation and support greater inclusion of women in conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts around the world.
