The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), through the Kenya Air Force, has officially said goodbye to Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, the country’s first female Air Force Commander. This marks the end of her impressive and trailblazing 42-year military career.
Her retirement follows a military leadership shake-up announced by President William Ruto on June 27, 2025.
Major General Fatuma made national history in May 2024 when she was appointed as the Commander of the Kenya Air Force, becoming the first woman to lead any branch of the KDF.
Her appointment was widely celebrated as a major breakthrough for women in the military and a big step forward for gender equality and institutional reform in the armed forces.
A colourful farewell ceremony was held at the Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi, to honour her service. The event was attended by top military officers, government dignitaries, and members of the Air Force who came together to celebrate her legacy and contributions to the force.
President Ruto, acting on the advice of the Defence Council chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, appointed Major General Bernard Waliaula as her replacement.
Before this promotion, Waliaula served as the Director of Defence National Security Industries. He brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his new position as the Air Force Commander.
During the handover ceremony, Major General Waliaula thanked his predecessor for her years of commitment and leadership. He also took the opportunity to congratulate other officers who had received new promotions within the KDF.
“I express my deepest appreciation to the outgoing Commander for her outstanding leadership and service. To those promoted today, this is not just an honour—it’s a responsibility. You must remain dedicated, professional, and honest in everything you do,” he said.
Major General Fatuma’s military career began in 1983 when she joined the Women’s Service Corps, a unit that was later absorbed into the KDF in 1999. After the integration, she continued serving under the Kenya Air Force and steadily rose through the ranks.
In 2015, she became Kenya’s first female Brigadier. Three years later, in 2018, she achieved another historic milestone by becoming the first woman in Kenya to be promoted to the rank of Major General.
Following the latest promotions and appointments made by President Ruto, all three arms of the KDF—the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, and Kenya Navy—held special ceremonies at their respective headquarters in Nairobi and Mombasa to honour newly promoted officers.
During these ceremonies, officers were formally decorated with their new badges of rank in front of their peers and families.
The Nairobi ceremony was led by the newly appointed Commander of the Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Keter, and the outgoing Commander, Lieutenant General David Tarus.
While addressing the officers, Lt. Gen. Keter congratulated them for their achievements and acknowledged the dedication and sacrifice required to reach such high levels of service. He urged them to lead by example and to always stay committed to integrity, duty, and the mission of the Kenya Defence Forces.
Major General Fatuma Ahmed leaves behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and inspiration for future generations, especially women in uniform.
Her story has not only rewritten the narrative of leadership in Kenya’s military but also opened doors for others to follow in her footsteps.
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