President Ruto announces leadership changes in KDF

In a statement issued from the Ministry of Defence, the President, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, said the changes were made on the recommendation of the Defence Council.

Major General John Maiso Nkoimo has been appointed Deputy Commander of the Kenya Army, replacing Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan, who has proceeded on retirement.

Prior to his appointment, Major General Nkoimo served as the General Officer Commanding Central Command.

In the Kenya Air Force, Brigadier Mohamud Salah Farah, who was serving as Base Commander at Laikipia Air Base, has been appointed Deputy Air Force Commander.

The Head of State also approved the promotion of Brigadier William Kamoiro to Major General and his appointment as General Officer Commanding Central Command.

Brigadier Peter Kipketer Limo has similarly been promoted to Major General and appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics at Defence Headquarters. He replaces Major General Edward Rugendo, who has been appointed Managing Director of the Defence Forces Welfare Services.

In addition, the President extended the tenure of service for the Commander of the Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Owuor Otieno, by one year, following recommendations by the Defence Council chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.

Further promotions and appointments were also made across the services.

In the Kenya Army, Brigadier (Dr) Francis Njoroge Kuria has been promoted to Major General and appointed Director of Medical Services.

Colonel Mark Joseph Awala has been promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Operations at Kenya Army Headquarters, while Colonel Makonani Balata has been elevated to Brigadier and named Commander Lang’ata Garrison.

Colonel Asma Diramo Kofa has also been promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Provost at the Directorate of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability.

In the Kenya Air Force, Colonel Peter Karigih Kariuki has been promoted to Brigadier and appointed College Secretary at the National Defence College.

Colonel Benedetta Margaret Kikechi has been promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Research and Development at the Defence National Security Industries.

Lieutenant Colonel Bernadette Awar Eyanae has been promoted to Colonel and appointed Colonel Plans and Programmes at the International Peace Support Training Centre.

The Defence Ministry said the changes are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership, operational efficiency and institutional capacity within the Kenya Defence Forces.