In a significant diplomatic achievement, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has been selected to chair a prestigious global military network that brings together defence chiefs from around the world.
The military 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 June 26.
The leadership role was handed over by the Irish Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, in the presence of representatives from 24 member nations who attended the meeting.
Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, was represented at the Dublin meeting by Major General Joyce Chelangat Sitienei, who is 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.
Upon their return to Kenya, the delegation formally presented the chairmanship certificate to General Kahariri at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.
According to KDF, Kenya's elevation to this role points to the growing international confidence in the country's military leadership and its contribution to promoting peace and security.
"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," the military said in a statement.
During its one-year term, Kenya will steer the Network's strategic priorities and champion the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Additionally, Kenya will strengthen cooperation among member countries in responding to emerging security challenges. The Women, Peace and Security agenda is anchored in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls for the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, humanitarian action and post-conflict recovery.
The appointment will also allow KDF to share its experience in integrating gender perspectives within defence institutions.
This latest international role comes as KDF continues to strengthen its profile in regional and global security matters. This has mainly been through peacekeeping missions, military diplomacy and defence partnerships with militaries from countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
According to the 2026 Global Firepower Index, Kenya is ranked the 12th strongest military in Africa and 84th globally.
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