The growing recognition that sustainable peace depends on inclusive leadership has elevated the role of women in preventing conflict, shaping security policy and rebuilding societies after war. Across the world, defence institutions are increasingly placing gender perspectives at the centre of military planning and peace operations, acknowledging that diverse leadership strengthens operational effectiveness and long-term stability.
Kenya has reinforced its standing in this global effort after the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officially assumed the chairmanship of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) Network during the Network’s annual meeting held in Dublin, Ireland, on 26 June 2026.
The chairmanship was formally handed over by the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, in the presence of the Director of Inclusion, Colonel Jayne Lawlor, and representatives from 24 member nations who participated both physically and virtually.
Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Muriu Kahariri, was represented at the meeting by Major General Joyce Chelangat Sitienei, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Centre for Security and Strategic Studies at the National Defence University–Kenya, alongside Brigadier Asma Diramo Kofa, Chief of Provost. Upon their return, the delegation presented the chairmanship certificate to the CDF at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi on 30 June 2026.
The annual meeting brought together Chiefs of Defence and senior military leaders to review progress in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda while strengthening collaboration among member nations. Kenya’s election to lead the Network demonstrates growing international confidence in KDF’s leadership and its contribution to promoting inclusive approaches to peace and security.
During its one-year tenure, Kenya will guide the Network’s strategic priorities, champion implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and deepen cooperation among member states in addressing emerging security challenges through inclusive leadership.
The Women, Peace and Security agenda is anchored in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000), which recognizes that durable peace is strengthened through the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention, peace negotiations, peacebuilding, humanitarian action and post-conflict recovery. The resolution also calls for the protection of women and girls from conflict-related violence while promoting the integration of gender perspectives across peace and security initiatives.
Kenya’s leadership of the Network provides an opportunity to share its experience in integrating gender perspectives within defence institutions while contributing to international efforts aimed at making peace operations more responsive, representative and effective. The appointment also reinforces the country’s reputation as a trusted partner in advancing regional and global peace and security.
On the sidelines of the visit to Ireland, Major General Sitienei paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Ambassador George M. Orina, Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Kenya to Ireland. The engagement underscored the close partnership between Kenya’s diplomatic mission and the Kenya Defence Forces in advancing Kenya’s national interests while strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
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