NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has appointed its first female defence attaché to Berlin, marking a significant milestone in the country’s military diplomacy and gender inclusion efforts.
Colonel Damaris Apondi Agnetta, formerly the second female Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President William Ruto, has taken up the new role at the Kenyan mission in Germany.
Her arrival was confirmed by the Embassy of Kenya in Germany, where she was received by Ambassador Stella Orina.
She subsequently underwent accreditation at the German Federal Ministry of Defence before holding official engagements at the embassy.
Ambassador Orina described the appointment as a milestone for women in defence and diplomacy.
“This moment is key as it underscores the importance of women’s contribution in executing strategic executive mandates, most notably in defence and diplomacy,” she said.
The embassy noted that Agnetta’s appointment, alongside Orina’s position as the first female ambassador in Berlin, reflects Kenya’s broader push toward gender inclusion in leadership roles.
Analysts say the development aligns with ongoing efforts by the Kenyan government to promote gender parity within the security sector, historically dominated by men, and to project that agenda in its foreign policy engagements.
Col Agnetta previously served as ADC after her appointment in September 2022, succeeding Rachel Nduta, who had served under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
She later transitioned to other military duties in April 2024, with Joan Osweto taking over the ADC role.
Before her presidential assignment, Agnetta served as an artillery officer in the Kenya Army and has also participated in a United Nations military observer mission, reflecting a career spanning both operational and diplomatic exposure.
