History has been made and records broken today after President William Ruto appointed Major General Fatuma Ahmed as the Commander of the Kenya Air Force, making her the first woman to hold this position. Before this, Fatuma served as the Senior Directing Staff Air, a role she assumed in May 2023.
Fatuma’s military career began in 1983 when she joined the Women’s Service Corps. She was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1985 and posted to the Kenya Air Force.
General Fatuma Ahmed, the new VCDF
Over the years, she held various positions, including Battalion Second in Command, Staff Officer II Audit Personnel and Records, and Colonel Personnel at the Kenya Air Force Headquarters. he Salso served as the Managing Director of the Defence Forces Medical Insurance Scheme.
Her rise to prominence began in August 2015 when former President Uhuru Kenyatta promoted her to Brigadier. In July 2018, she was further elevated to Major General, marking her ascent in the male-dominated Kenyan military.
General Fatuma Ahmed; First Female Kenya Airforce Commander
Fatuma is a graduate of the National Defence College and the Defence Staff College. She also holds a Diploma in Management from Strathmore University College.
In addition to Fatuma’s appointment, President Ruto announced Charles Muriu Kahariri as the new Chief of Defence Forces.
Major General John Mugaravai Omenda was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed Vice of the Kenyan Defence Forces.
Major General Thomas Njoroge Ng’ang’a was posted to the National Defence University as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration and Finance.
Major General Fatuma Ahmed during a past military event
Major General Gaiti has served as a Battalion Second in Command (BN 2IC) Staff Officer II Audit Personnel and Records.
She is a graduate of the National Defence College and an alumni of the Defence Staff College where she graduated in July 2000. Major General Gaiti holds a Diploma in Management from Strathmore University College.
