The military was initially considered a masculine career path, however, over the years, women have emerged and excelled in the service, giving men a run for their money.
In this segment, Nairobileo.co.ke takes a look at the career of Captain Diana Aupe Naker is the only Kenya Army combat pilot and is stationed at the Embakasi Barracks.
During an interview with Citizen TV on February 18, 2020, she revealed that growing up in Turkana County, she was not exposed to various career paths.
Captain Diana Aupe Naker of the Kenya Army and Christo Beukes at the Starlite Aviation Training Academy in Durban, South Africa on April 15, 2016. |Courtesy| Facebook|
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"I did not have a role model I looked up to then. I just wanted to venture into the ordinary professions that I saw people in my village pursue. A teacher or a doctor," Naker narrated.
She excelled in her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations and was selected to Egerton University to pursue a degree in Economics and Statistics.
However, as she was nearing joining campus, she became aware of open applications to join the Kenya Defence Forces. Her parents wanted her to join University and opposed the idea of enlisting in the service.
"While I was preparing to join the university when applying for a student fees loan, I found out there were open applications for cadets," Naker recalled.
"When I asked around, I learnt it was better to apply and try my luck but did not think I would make the cut.
"My parents preferred I pursue my education. But luckily I was informed that I made the cut and my name had been published on newspapers," she recounted.
After a successful interview process, Naker was among the few women who were selected to join the military academy as cadets in the year 2010.
She trained for three years and in 2013 graduated as an army officer, and was presented with the Commandant's Award by President Uhuru Kenyatta, for being the best overall female in her cohort.
Captain Diana Aupe Naker of the Kenya Army and Christo Beukes in a helicopter at the Starlite Aviation Training Academy in Durban, South Africa on April 15, 2016. |Photo| Courtesy|
Naker was also was among a group of officers that received further training on aviation at the Starlite Aviation Training Academy in Durban South Africa.
Her role as an army combat pilot is not as easy at it may seem, neither can it be compared to aviation in passenger aircraft.
"Being an army pilot is not an easy task. First for the type of work we do and the conditions we work under," Naker stated.
Her duties entail escorting foot soldiers, evacuating injured soldiers, and act as a backup when needed.
Reflecting on her career in the military, Naker stated that she was happy with her achievements noting the support she had from the force.
"I would like to thank the army for the opportunities and training it has presented me with," she remarked.
Naker advice women to follow their passion and not shy away from any career path as tough as it may seem or touted to be.
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