CENTRAL PARTNERSHIP STATION 2 TRAINING IN MOMBASA

Commander Kenya Navy (KN) Major General Jimson Mutai today 23 January 2023 presided over the official opening of Central Partnership Stations 2 (CPS 2) events; the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) symposium at English Point Marina Hotel and the Global Health Engagement during emergencies at Kenya Naval Training College (KNTC).

The aim of the Central Partnership Stations 2 is to strengthen the USA and key nation partnership in Central Command (CENTCOM), US African Command (USAFRICOM) and European Command (EUCOM) through capacity building engagement in order improve maritime security.

The Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi’s message on WPS, read by the Maj Gen Mutai reiterated and emphasized the contributions women have made towards conflict prevention, peace keeping and conflict resolution. He reaffirmed the Gender Policy developed and launched in 2017 by the ministry of Defence. The policy articulates the importance of gender mainstreaming within the defence forces and provides strategic direction and tools to institutionalize gender and increase women’s participation in decision making at all levels.

Notable initial outcomes of the policy include the promotion of the first female Major General in 2018 followed by promotion of more senior officers across the services.

In aggregate, KDF has deployed 16% of its female personnel in Peace Operations situating it as the highest military female peacekeepers contributor in the globe. KDF has also appointed and seconded female senior officers and officers to both local and international leadership positions at the United Nations Headquarter (New York), UN missions and other peace and security-focused Regional Mechanisms.

The CDF affirmed the achievement of a conducive working environment through the numerous welfare initiatives such as the establishment of welfare centres and the Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK). He acknowledged the participation of KDF in WPS Symposia organized and funded by the US government.

Major General Mutai, also reiterated the importance of a full and effective implementation of WPS agenda noting that the global community is confronted with conflicts and crises.

Later, Maj Gen Mutai witnessed the first training session pertaining public health emergencies and a field practice on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) at the KNTC.

The Central Partnership Station 2 training sessions and events that began today focus on community outreach, information exchanges related to maritime security operational support, global health engagement for improved maritime operational capabilities and strengthening of developing and existing partner nations relations.

CPS 2 training brings along subject matter expert engagements that will benefit the Kenya Navy. Participating partner nations include Bahrain, Denmark, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Qatar, UAE and USA.