As contemporary security challenges grow more complex, military effectiveness is increasingly shaped not only by capabilities on the battlefield, but also by the ability of defence institutions to understand and respond to the diverse realities of the populations they protect. Gender awareness is consequently emerging as an important operational consideration in peacekeeping, conflict prevention and broader security engagements.
Kenya is taking this conversation to the global stage through its leadership of the Women, Peace and Security Chiefs of Defence (WPS CHODs) Network, advancing an approach that positions inclusive security as a force multiplier for modern military operations.
This agenda took centre stage on 3 September 2026, when defence leaders from Kenya, Ireland, the Philippines and Bosnia and Herzegovina convened virtually to deliberate on the future direction of the Network. Discussions focused on strengthening the initiative, expanding its global reach and translating the Women, Peace and Security agenda from policy commitments into measurable operational outcomes.
Chairing the meeting, the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, outlined Kenya’s priorities for its one-year tenure under the theme, “Inclusive Security: Strengthening Operations Through Gender Awareness.”
At the core of Kenya’s leadership is the recognition that gender awareness contributes directly to mission effectiveness. Understanding how conflict and insecurity affect women, men, girls and boys differently can enhance situational awareness, improve engagement with communities and strengthen military planning and decision-making, particularly in complex peace support environments.
General Kahariri emphasised that Kenya will seek to broaden the Network’s membership while promoting gender awareness as an integral component of operational effectiveness. The country also plans to deepen engagement with nations outside the Network, establish Regional Champions to drive the agenda across different regions and convene an ambassadorial-level side event on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Another key priority will be sustained advocacy for the increased deployment and meaningful participation of women in military peacekeeping operations. Beyond representation, the initiative seeks to ensure that women are effectively integrated across command, planning, decision-making and operational roles where their perspectives and expertise can contribute to mission success.
Kenya assumed the chairmanship of the WPS CHODs Network from Ireland during the Network’s annual meeting in Dublin on 26 June 2026, beginning a one-year tenure at the helm of the global military initiative. The leadership was formally handed over by the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy.
General Kahariri was represented during the handover by Major General Joyce Sitienei, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the Centre for Security and Strategic Studies at the National Defence University–Kenya, alongside Brigadier Asma Kofa, Chief of Provost and Senior Gender Adviser.
Kenya’s chairmanship provides an opportunity to build on the Network’s achievements while giving greater operational meaning to the Women, Peace and Security agenda. By connecting gender awareness with military effectiveness, regional partnerships and peacekeeping performance, the country is seeking to move the conversation beyond participation towards practical security outcomes.
As Kenya steers the Network over the coming year, its message to the international defence community is clear: inclusive security is not simply a matter of representation. It is an operational advantage that strengthens military effectiveness, builds trust with communities and enhances the capacity of armed forces to respond to contemporary peace and security challenges.
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