Kenya has strengthened its profile in global peace and security after the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officially assumed the chairmanship of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) Network, a coalition of 24 member nations working to advance inclusive leadership in defence and peacebuilding.

The chairmanship was formally handed over to Kenya during the Network’s annual meeting held in Dublin, Ireland, on June 26, 2026, marking the beginning of the country’s one-year tenure at the helm of the international military forum.

KDF, in a statement shared on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, said the leadership role was transferred by the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, in the presence of the Irish Defence Forces’ Director of Inclusion, Colonel Jayne Lawlor, and representatives from the 24 member countries who attended the meeting physically and virtually.

“Kenya has reinforced its standing in this global effort after KDF officially assumed the chairmanship of the Women, Peace and Security Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) Network during the Network’s annual meeting held in Dublin, Ireland,” the KDF stated.

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, the Chief of Provost.

Upon their return to Kenya, the delegation presented the official chairmanship certificate to General Kahariri at Defence Headquarters in Nairobi on Monday, symbolising Kenya’s assumption of leadership of the Network.

Recognition of Kenya’s growing influence

The annual gathering brought together Chiefs of Defence and senior military leaders from member states to assess progress in implementing the global Women, Peace and Security agenda while strengthening cooperation on emerging security challenges.

Kenya’s election to chair the Network is widely seen as a vote of confidence in the country’s growing contribution to international peace and security initiatives and its efforts to integrate gender perspectives within defence institutions.

During its one-year term, Kenya will guide the Network’s strategic priorities, champion the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and promote closer collaboration among member nations in responding to evolving security threats through inclusive leadership.

Advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda

The Women, Peace and Security agenda is anchored in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted in 2000, which recognises the critical role women play in preventing conflict, participating in peace negotiations, rebuilding societies after war and contributing to long-term peace and security.

The resolution also calls on governments and security institutions to protect women and girls from conflict-related violence and to mainstream gender perspectives across all peace and security initiatives.

Over the years, militaries across the world have increasingly incorporated these principles into operational planning, recognising that inclusive leadership contributes to stronger decision-making, improved mission effectiveness and more sustainable peace outcomes.

Opportunity to showcase Kenya’s experience

Kenya’s leadership of the Network presents an opportunity for the Kenya Defence Forces to share its experience in promoting gender inclusion within the military while contributing to international efforts aimed at making peace operations more representative, responsive and effective.

The appointment also reinforces Kenya’s reputation as a trusted regional and international partner in peace support operations, conflict prevention and security cooperation.

Kenya has played a prominent role in regional peace initiatives, contributing troops to multinational peacekeeping missions and supporting efforts to address instability across the Horn of Africa and beyond.

Strengthening Kenya-Ireland ties

On the sidelines of the meeting in Ireland, Major General Sitienei paid a courtesy call on Kenya’s Ambassador-Designate to Ireland, Ambassador George M. Orina.

The engagement underscored the close cooperation between Kenya’s diplomatic mission and the Kenya Defence Forces in advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives while strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and Ireland.

Kenya’s assumption of the chairmanship comes at a time when defence institutions worldwide are placing greater emphasis on inclusive leadership as a key pillar of effective security governance. Through the role, the Kenya Defence Forces will now spearhead international collaboration on advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda while helping shape policy discussions among the Network’s 24 member nations over the next year.