President William Ruto has appointed retired Kenya Air Force Commander, Major General Jofidha Otieno Makowenga, to chair the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) Board.
In an official notice dated Friday, November 29, President Ruto announced that Otieno would serve a three-year term, effective immediately.
Otieno succeeds General (Rtd) James Aruasa, who served as the inaugural chairperson for six years before stepping down in November 2024.
The decision to maintain the leadership within the military underscores the strategic importance of space for national security and communication.
Prior to his retirement in 2014, Otieno served as the Kenya Air Force Commander. He is an engineer and a decorated officer, recognized for his significant role in military operations against Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
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In 2014, he was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) and the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Otieno has also held prominent roles, including Commandant of the Defence Staff College and National Defence College, as well as Director of Logistics at the Kenya Air Force.

Last week Ruto appointed former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General (Rtd) Robert Kibochi to chair the board of Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital for a three-year term.