In what could yet again be described as Kenya's milestone in promoting gender parity in Kenya Defense Forces, seven female soldiers on Thursday graduated from Karen-based Defense Staff College.
DSC is a Kenya Defence Forces-sponsored institution charged with the responsibility of preparing selected officers for the assumption of increased responsibility in command and staff duties.
Defense Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo hailed soldiers for taking lessons to improve their knowledge. The 34th graduation saw 52 soldiers taking 46 days course with eleven coming from friendly countries.
She expressed her gratitude to the College Advisory Board, the three Services of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the University of Nairobi and the Kenya School of Government for their diligent support and partnership that bore fruit resulting in the day’s ceremony.
“Graduands of this college shine brightly because they are inculcated with a spirit of service and patriotism. I am pleased that this college opens its doors to officers from sister countries throughout Africa. In this way, the college benefits from Africa’s rich cultural diversity and military tradition,” she said.
Mrs Omamo acknowledged the progress by KDF in nurturing female officers to take advanced leadership roles within the military. Usually, only officers of Lieutenant Colonel rank get to DSC.
“I am so delighted to acknowledge that seven female officers are graduating today and for the second year in succession the best performing graduate of this course is a competent and brilliant female officer,” added the CS.
Last year, Fatuma Ahmed became the first female soldier to achieve Major General rank in the history of KDF. President Uhuru Kenyatta, he had also promoted her to Brigadier in 2016, the first female soldier also to hold the rank, hailed her achievements.
“It is my pride and joy today to launch the first Kenyan woman as a major-general in the republic. I am counting on you to be a role model to the women in this republic and to prove to them that there is no limits for the Kenyan women,” Mr Kenyatta told Maj Gen Ahmed.
Present during the colourful event were the Chief of the Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe, the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Robert Kibochi, Service Commanders, Commandant National Defence College Lieutenant General Adan Mulata, the Commandant Egypt Defence Staff College.
Also present were; General Tarek Hafez, Members of Diplomatic Corps, General Officers both serving and retired, Defence Attaches, Senior Officers, Officers, Service Members, families and other invited guests.