NGEC commends first woman KDF spokesperson

The Commission has commended the Ministry of Defence for appointing the first woman Kenya Defence Forces spokesperson Col. Zipporah Kioko. In a letter addressed to the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Defence Ambassador Monica Juma, NGEC Chairperson Dr. Joyce Mutinda said the appointment of Col. Kioko was an affirmation of the trust and confidence that the ministry has in the officer to discharge the duties of her new office.

Col. Zipporah Kioko was promoted on April 30 by President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, when he made promotions and appointments affecting 138 senior and general military officers and later appointed KDF spokesperson in May.

The Chairperson noted that the appointment was consistent with the Defence Gender Policy. The policy published in May 2017 is guided by five principles, namely: gender responsiveness and non-discrimination; alignment and accountability to commitments in the Kenya Constitution; promotion of conducive institutional environment for women and men; recognition of the specificities of women and men and commitment to promote gender mainstreaming at all levels.

Dr. Mutinda said the Commission looks forward to continued collaboration with the Ministry of Defence in ensuring gender mainstreaming through the development and compliance with relevant policies and pieces of legislation.​