Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, officially inaugurated the Women Leadership Development Course at the Kenya Naval Training College, Mtongwe in Mombasa County.

The five-day training program, a collaborative effort between Kenya and Denmark, aims to equip female officers with essential leadership competencies needed for senior command, staff and peace support responsibilities.

It also aligns with Kenya’s commitment to international frameworks, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which underscores the pivotal role of women in peace and security.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Major General Otieno stated that promoting women’s leadership in the Navy reflects a commitment to international standards for inclusive roles in peace and security. He highlighted the importance of fostering leadership that transcends gender barriers.

“By investing in women’s leadership within the Navy, we are aligning with global standards that call for inclusive participation in peace and security,” noted Major General Otieno.

Major General Otieno urged the student officers to uphold the core values of the defence forces, emphasizing the importance of resilience in challenging situations, commitment to excellence, loyalty to fellow service personnel and prioritizing duty over personal interest.

Importance of Gender Equality

Major General Charles Mwazighe, Director of the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), reaffirmed that achieving gender equality is crucial for lasting peace and sustainable development.

He emphasized Kenya’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, which underscores the vital role of women participation in maintaining peace.

“Gender equality is essential for sustainable development, which in turn relies on peace and security. The bottom-line is that integration of women in the military contributes to strategic efficiency, effectiveness and sociocultural equity in military service,” Major General Mwazighe said.

Women in KDF

Commander Senior grade Gaard Frederickson, Danish Liaison Officer, praised Kenya’s leadership in integrating gender perspectives into security operations.

“Kenya’s success in integrating women in the armed forces, especially in peacekeeping and disaster response offers valuable lessons for Denmark,” he said.

The course, facilitated by IPSTC marks a significant milestone in advancing gender equality and transformational leadership within the Kenya Navy, strengthening its role as a regional leader in inclusive peace and security operations.

KDF female soldiers attend the Women Leadership Development Course at the Kenya Naval Training College, Mtongwe, in Mombasa County. PHOTO/KDF.