BOOK VALIDATION WORKSHOP
The Peace and Security Research Department (PSRD) held a successful validation workshop for the book: An Exploration of Gender Integration within Kenya Defence Forces: Its Impact on Operational Effectiveness, at the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) in Karen. The event brought together key stakeholders, including Gen (Rtd) S J Mwathethe, Lt Gen (Rtd) W R Koipaton, Lt Gen (Rtd) D I Opande, Lt Gen (Rtd) J Kasaon, Lt Gen (Rtd) N Mwaniki, Maj Gen (Rtd) D N Gichuru, Maj Gen (Rtd) P A Awitta and Brig (Rtd) DR. E M Mwanyika to review and validate the book’s chapters and research findings.
The primary objective of the workshop was to assess the accuracy, relevance, and clarity of the book’s content. A detailed presentation on the book was delivered, outlining its objectives, key themes, research findings, and recommendations. The presentation provided a foundation for discussion, allowing participants to critically analyze the content and provide informed feedback.
The discussion focused on key aspects such as Overview of the Kenya Defence Forces, Institutional challenges and barriers to integrating women into the KDF, Women participation in peace support operations, Regulatory frameworks for integration of women into the military, Historical, cultural barriers and challenges and Women’s contribution to KDF Operational Effectiveness.
Participants engaged in lively discussions, highlighting strengths of the book while also identifying areas that required further refinement. The validation workshop successfully achieved its objective of reviewing and refining the book’s content. Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to this important work and emphasized the need for continued dialogue on gender integration within the military.
