Kenya has called for stronger global cooperation and practical action to advance the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu made the appeal at a side event held on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Njogu stressed that women must be recognized not only as beneficiaries of peace but as essential leaders and partners in building sustainable security.
The event, co-chaired by Major General Rugendo, brought together Military Attaches from more than 40 countries at Kenya's Permanent Mission to the UN in New York. The meeting sought to raise awareness of the WPS CHODs Network, invite more United Nations Member States to join, and advance Kenya's priorities during its one-year chairmanship of the Network. Kenya assumed the chairmanship of the global Network on 26 June 2026, succeeding Ireland.
Kenya's Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, holds the chairmanship of the Network, placing Kenya at the forefront of efforts to integrate the Women, Peace and Security agenda into defence policy, military training, leadership, planning and operations. The chairmanship will be handed over to the Philippines in June 2027. Njogu cited United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 as a framework for ensuring women's full, equal and meaningful participation in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, peacekeeping and decision-making.
Njogu highlighted Kenya's commitment to inclusion, noting that the Constitution of Kenya places inclusiveness among the country's national values and principles of governance. She further noted that Kenya is implementing its third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for the 2025–2029 period, focusing on participation, protection, prevention, and relief and recovery. The plan aims to increase women's representation in the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service and other security institutions.
The Ministry of Defence has strengthened gender mainstreaming, reinforcing the integration of gender perspectives in military leadership, training and operations. Njogu said Kenya's leadership of the Network presents an opportunity to deepen cooperation among defence institutions, learn from international best practices and build more responsive, representative and effective security forces. She urged more countries to join the Network and committed Kenya to advancing inclusive security through sustained partnership and strategic military leadership.
The WPS CHODs Network was established in 2017 to provide senior military leaders with a platform to share lessons, promote good practice and address institutional barriers to implementing the WPS agenda. The Network currently brings together about 60 members, including UN Member States, the African Union and the United Nations. Njogu emphasized that women are not merely beneficiaries of peace and security but essential actors, leaders and partners in shaping sustainable peace and security.
Njogu's call for stronger global cooperation on the WPS agenda comes as Kenya continues to play a leading role in promoting women's participation in peace and security efforts. The country's efforts have been recognized globally, and its leadership of the WPS CHODs Network is seen as a significant step towards advancing the WPS agenda. Key initiatives include expanding membership and enhancing operational effectiveness through gender awareness.
Key points
- Kenya calls for stronger global cooperation on Women, Peace and Security agenda
- Women must be recognized as essential leaders and partners in building sustainable security
- Kenya assumes chairmanship of WPS CHODs Network, advancing inclusive security through sustained partnership and strategic military leadership
