President William Ruto has made changes at the top of the Kenya Defence Forces, appointing a new Deputy Commander of the Kenya Army and effecting a series of promotions and postings across the military’s key commands.
Acting in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, President Ruto appointed Major General John Maiso Nkoimo as the new Deputy Commander Kenya Army.
He steps into the role vacated by Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan, who has retired.
Prior to this appointment, Major General Nkoimo was serving as the General Officer Commanding, Central Command.
In another significant appointment, Brigadier Mohamud Salah Farah, formerly the Base Commander at Laikipia Air Base, has been appointed Deputy Air Force Commander.
The President also promoted Brigadier William Kamoiro to the rank of Major General and appointed him General Officer Commanding Central Command, the position vacated by Nkoimo.
Brigadier Peter Kipketer Limo was similarly promoted to Major General and appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics at the Defence Headquarters, replacing Major General Edward Rugendo, who has been appointed Managing Director at the Defence Forces Welfare Services.
On the advice of the Defence Council, chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, the President also extended the tenure of Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Owuor Otieno by one year.
Further promotions were effected across the Kenya Army and Kenya Air Force.
Brigadier Francis Njoroge Kuria was promoted to Major General and appointed Director of Medical Services; Colonel Mark Joseph Awala was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Operations at Kenya Army Headquarters.
Colonel Makonani Balata was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander Langata Garrison; and Colonel Asma Diramo Kofa was 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 was promoted to Brigadier and appointed College Secretary at the National Defence College; Colonel Benedetta Margaret Kikechi was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Research and Development at the Defence National Security Industries; and Lieutenant Colonel Bernadette Awar Eyanae was promoted to Colonel and appointed Colonel Plans and Programs at the International Peace Support Training.
