NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has announced a series of promotions, appointments, and postings within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) following recommendations by the Defence Council, in a wide-ranging reshuffle affecting senior command positions across the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 5, President Ruto appointed Major General John Maiso Nkoimo as the new Deputy Commander of the Kenya Army. He takes over from Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan, who has retired from service.
Before his appointment, Nkoimo served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Central Command, one of the Kenya Army’s key operational formations.
In another key change, Brigadier Mohamud Salah Farah was appointed Deputy Air Force Commander. Farah previously served as Base Commander at Laikipia Air Base, a strategic installation that hosts key air operations.
Major General William Kamoiro has been promoted and appointed General Officer Commanding Central Command, filling the position previously held by Nkoimo prior to his elevation.
At Defence Headquarters, Brigadier Peter Kipketer Limo has been promoted to Major General and appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics. He replaces Major General Edward Rugendo, who has been reassigned as Managing Director of the Defence Forces Welfare Services.
In a corresponding transfer, Rugendo moves from the welfare docket into a new administrative leadership role within the military’s welfare structure.
The reshuffle also included an extension of service for Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Owuor Otieno, whose tenure has been extended by one year on the recommendation of the Defence Council.
Within the Kenya Army, Brigadier Francis Njoroge Kuria has been promoted to Major General and appointed Director of Medical Services.
Colonel Mark Joseph Awala has been elevated to Brigadier and named Chief of Operations at Kenya Army Headquarters, while Colonel Makonani Balata has been promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander of Langata 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 elevated to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Research and Development at the Defence National Security Industries.
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Lieutenant Colonel Bernadette Awar Eyanae has been promoted to Colonel and appointed Colonel Plans and Programmes at the International Peace Support Training Centre.
The latest changes reflect a structured rotation and advancement process within the KDF leadership hierarchy, aimed at maintaining operational continuity while strengthening command capacity across strategic units.
The Defence Council’s recommendations typically guide senior military appointments, ensuring alignment with institutional requirements, operational readiness, and succession planning within the armed forces.
The reshuffle comes at a time when Kenya continues to expand its regional security role, including peacekeeping missions and counter-terrorism operations in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
