'First woman brigadier a milestone'

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has praised President Uhuru Kenyatta's appointment of Fatumah Ahmed as the first female brigadier of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

NGEC Chairman Winfred Lichuma termed the appointment as a promotion of gender equality in the management of country affairs.

"For the first time, Kenya has a woman brigadier who is all-rounded, competent and qualified to serve in our disciplined forces. This is an empowerment to marginalised groups in the country," said Lichuma.

Fatumah Ahmed was promoted from a colonel to a brigadier as well as appointed the managing director of the Defence Forces Medical Insurance Scheme.  Ms Lichuma acknowledged the appointment as a way of integrating women in sectors that are largely male-ominated, urging the State to take a leaf from Ahmed's appointment and ensure it brings on board women to serve in key decision-making organs.