In a significant shake-up within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), President William Ruto has approved a new wave of appointments and promotions that affect all branches of the military — the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Why the Changes Were Made

According to an official announcement from the Ministry of Defence on Friday, these changes were made based on the recommendation of the Defence Council.

The council is led by Defence Cabinet Secretary Roselinda Soipan Tuya.

The goal of these leadership changes is to strengthen the military’s command structure and ensure more effective service delivery across all military units.

New Kenya Army Commander Appointed

One of the biggest announcements is the promotion of Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter to Lieutenant General. He has also been appointed the new Commander of the Kenya Army.

He replaces Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who has been redeployed to serve as Vice Chancellor at the National Defence University – Kenya (NDU-K).

Before his promotion, Lt. Gen. Ketter served as the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics.

New Leadership in the Kenya Air Force

In the Air Force, Major General Benard Waliaula is the new Commander. He previously served as Director of Defence National Security Industries.

He takes over from Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, who has retired after 42 years of service in the military.

Key Promotions in Military Training and Strategy

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Several other officers have also been promoted and given new leadership roles:

• Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi is now Major General and the new Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy.
• Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei becomes Major General and has been appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor at the Centre for Strategic and Security Studies under NDU-K.

More Changes in the Kenya Army

The following officers in the Kenya Army have been promoted:

• Brigadier Faustino Mancha Lobaly – now Major General, Director of National Defence Security Industries.
• Brigadier Charles Lenjo Mwazighe – now Major General, Director of the International Peace Support Centre.
• Brigadier Mohamed Isak Iddi – now Major General, Director of Oversight, Compliance, and Accountability (DOCAA).
• Brigadier Edward Rugendo – now Major General, Director of Personnel and Logistics.
• Brigadier Richard Wambua Mwanzia – now Major General, Senior Directing Staff for the Army at National Defence College.
• Colonel Said Mohamed Mwacharo – promoted to Brigadier, appointed Chief of Infrastructure.
• Colonel Meshack Sinkira Kishoyian – promoted to Brigadier, now Commander of the 6 Brigade.

New Appointments in the Kenya Air Force

• Colonel Herbert Mabele Wafula – promoted to Brigadier, now Base Commander at Moi Airbase.
• Colonel Ismail Guhad Noor – promoted to Brigadier, now Deputy Managing Director at Kenya Ordnance Factories Limited and the Food Processing Factory.
• Colonel Victor Waithaka Kang’ethe – promoted to Brigadier, now Director of the National Air Support Department (NASD).
• Colonel Rodah Mkavita Mwasigwa – promoted to Brigadier, appointed Chief of Compensation and Welfare at Defence HQ.

Big Moves in the Kenya Navy

• Brigadier Timothy Stelu Lekolool – promoted to Major General, becomes Senior Directing Staff at the National Defence College.
• Colonel Ronald Mesa Makori – promoted to Brigadier, appointed Chief of Strategic Plans and Policy.
• Colonel Peter Musili Muthungu – promoted to Brigadier, becomes Head of Production at Kenya Shipyard Limited.
• Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrida Atieno Omolo – promoted to Colonel, now Commander of Kenya Navy Logistics.
• Lieutenant Colonel Safari Katana Kalume – promoted to Colonel, now Senior Directing Staff at the Navy Joint Warfare Centre.

Aiming for a Stronger, More Effective Military

This latest round of promotions and appointments signals the government’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s defence forces, both in terms of leadership and strategic capacity.

These military leaders will now be expected to lead with discipline, integrity, and professionalism in service to the nation.