The Kenya Air Force (KAF) witnessed a historic moment as Major General Fatuma Ahmed assumed her role as Commander KAF.
Ahmed is the first female Service Commander in the history of the Kenya Defence Forces.
The Change of Guard ceremony, held at Kenya Air Force, Moi Air Base in Nairobi, saw Lieutenant General John Omenda pass the baton.
Omenda moved into his new position as Vice Chief of Defence Forces (VCDF).
He praised Ahmed’s appointment and underlined the importance of supporting her leadership.
Omenda expressed gratitude to the service personnel for their unwavering commitment and urged them to maintain professionalism and integrity in all endeavours.
“I urge you to cooperate with all those you interact with both at work and while conducting your activities. Wave the flag of the Kenya Air Force high while upholding its great name,” Omenda said.
The colourful ceremony was attended by Base Commanders, Senior Officers, Officers, and Service Members.
Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed made history as Kenya’s first female Major General and also the first woman to command the Kenya Air Force.
KDF has never had a woman as a service commander and Fatuma’s rise is a major milestone in the country’s defence forces.
Before President William Ruto promoted her to Kenya Air Force commander, Fatuma served as the Senior Directing Staff Air.
The decorated officer came to the spotlight in 2015 when she was promoted to Brigadier.
This was a position that no woman had held in the male-dominated KDF.
She joined the military in 1983 in the now-defunct Women’s Service Corps.
