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The Women and Leadership Development Course concluded successfully on Friday, 12 June 2026, marking the end of a training program aimed at enhancing the leadership capacity of female military officers serving in various fields.
The course was sponsored by the government of Denmark through its continued support for initiatives that promote gender equality. The programme brought together women officers who took part in a series of learning activities aimed to strengthen their leadership skills, decision making abilities, communication techniques and understanding of security challenges.
Throughout the programme, participants engaged in discussions, practical exercises and knowledge sharing sessions focused on effective leadership in military environments. As part of the Course, participants engaged in an insightful panel discussion with distinguished women leaders from the military, public, and private sectors.
The session featured Maj Gen (Rtd) Fatuma Ahmed, National Defence University Kenya, Deputy Vice Chancellor Centre for Security and Strategic Studies Maj Gen Joyce Sitienei, Brigadier Zipporah Kioko, Director General of Immigration Services Ms Evelyn Cheluget, and Safaricom PLCβs Head of Service Management, Ms Lilian Kiambati.The discussion provided participants with practical insights and inspiration to strengthen their leadership capabilities and drive positive change within their respective institutions.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the chief guest Commander Senior Kjeld Gaard -Frederiksen the Danish Liaison officer to Kenya congratulated the participants for their dedication and commitment throughout the course. He emphasized the critical role of women in military leadership and peace support operations, noting that their contributions are essential to operational effectiveness, inclusivity and sustainable peace and security.
The lead facilitator, Professor Catherine Ndungo highlighted that the training provided participants with opportunities to exchange experiences, build professional networks and develop skills that will enable them to take on leadership responsibilities. She encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the course to create positive change.
The participants expressed their appreciation for the training, referencing the practical lessons, professional interactions and leadership knowledge gained throughout the program. They assured their commitment to utilize the acquired skills to enhance their performance in their different fields.
In her closing remarks, the Commandant Peace and Conflict Studies School (PCSS), Colonel Emma Ngigi encouraged the participants to utilize the knowledge acquired during the course in their various fields of work. She urged them to demonstrate exemplary leadership, mentor others and contribute positively to their places of work.
Around the world, organizations are recognizing that gender equality is not just a moral imperative but it is a driver of performance, inclusion and sustainable results. Introduction of Gender Focal Points within the Military are at the heart of making that change happen. Gender equality within the Military setup can only happen when military personnel understand the issues, know the tools and are empowered to act.
The main aim of this course is to prepare participants to perform the duties of a Gender Focal Point (GFP) within their respective organizations. The course provides a clear understanding of the role, responsibilities, and mandate of a GFP, and equips participants to effectively contribute to the integration of gender perspectives within their functional areas.
By strengthening the capacity of Gender Focal Points across the region, the course contributes to the development of more inclusive, responsive, and effective security institutions. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of their roles as agents of change and are better positioned to support the integration of gender perspectives in policy, planning, operations, and institutional processes.
The pilot course marks an important milestone in advancing gender equality within the peace and security sector and reflects IPSTC's continued commitment to promoting inclusive approaches to peace support operations. Through partnerships such as that with the Kingdom of Denmark, the Centre continues to empower military personnel with the knowledge and tools necessary to foster positive organizational change and enhance operational effectiveness across the region.
As a capability-enhancing initiative, the Course is designed to strengthen the preparedness of peacekeepers operating in increasingly complex and high-risk environments. Through practical and technical instruction, participants gain the expertise required to safely operate heavy engineering equipment, mitigate explosive threats, and support mission-critical infrastructure development, ultimately improving the effectiveness and safety of peace operations.
In his opening remarks, Commandant HPSS Brigadier Mundui highlighted the importance of investing in specialized training to address the evolving demands of modern peace support missions. He noted that the course not only builds individual competencies but also strengthens the collective capacity of troop-contributing countries by promoting interoperability, professionalism, and the sharing of best practices among participating nations. He encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity and apply the knowledge gained to enhance operational effectiveness in future deployments.
The Chief Guest, Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan, Mr Hori reaffirmed Japan's commitment to supporting international peace and security through sustainable capacity-building partnerships. He observed that the HEE/EHAT Course reflects the shared vision of Japan, Kenya, and the United Nations to develop highly skilled peacekeepers capable of addressing emerging operational challenges.
The EHAT/HEE Course represents a significant investment in the future of peace support operations, fostering a cadre of well-trained personnel equipped with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to enhance mission success, protect lives, and support sustainable peacebuilding efforts across the region and beyond.
