- Kenya’s first woman to lead the Air Force, Major General Fatuma Ahmed, has officially retired, closing a remarkable 42-year journey in uniform.
- Her historic promotion in May 2024 inspired women across the country and set a new standard for gender representation in military leadership.
- President Ruto has now appointed Major General Benard Waliaula as her successor, among other changes in the KDF top brass.
- The Defence Council, led by CS Soipan Tuya, also announced several high-level promotions to strengthen military leadership.
After over four decades of service, Maj Gen Fatuma Ahmed—Kenya’s first female Air Force boss—has stepped down. Her retirement marks the end of a military career that broke barriers and set a new path for women in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
In her place, President Ruto has named Major General Benard Waliaula as the new Air Force Commander. The appointment followed recommendations from the Defence Council, chaired by Defence CS Soipan Tuya. Waliaula previously led Defence National Security Industries.
Fatuma Ahmed made headlines on May 2, 2024, when she became the first woman to take command of a KDF service. That promotion also elevated her to the rank of Major General, replacing Maj Gen John Omenda, who moved up to become Vice Chief of Defence Forces.
Her rise to the top did not just mark a personal victory—it symbolised a wider shift in Kenya’s military landscape. Since becoming a Major in 2015, Maj Gen Ahmed has steadily climbed the ranks and paved the way for more women to dream big in a male-dominated field.
Besides Waliaula’s appointment, the President also promoted Brig. Joel Muriungi M’arimi to Major General. He’s now in charge of the Kenya Military Academy, having previously led the Armoured Brigade.
More Female Leadership Gains
In a further nod to female leadership, Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei is now Major General and will serve as Deputy Vice Chancellor at NDU-K. She formerly led the International Peace Support Centre.
The Defence Ministry also confirmed the promotion of Brigadier Timothy Stelu Lekolool—President Ruto’s former Aide-de-Camp—to Major General. He will now serve as Senior Directing Staff at the National Defence College.
