Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya on Friday led senior military officials in bidding farewell to outgoing Kenya Air Force Commander, Major General (Rtd) Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, at Defence Headquarters in Nairobi, marking the end of an illustrious 42-year military career.
Major General (Rtd) Ahmed, a celebrated pioneer in Kenya’s security forces, retires as a national icon and role model. She made history in 2018 as the first woman in Kenya’s military to be promoted to the rank of Major General.
Her legacy grew further in 2023 when she was appointed the first female Service Commander of a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) formation—taking command of the Kenya Air Force.
CS Tuya praised Major General Ahmed for breaking barriers and paving the way for women in the security sector. “She is not just a military leader—she is a symbol of resilience, integrity, and commitment to service,” the CS noted.
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During her career, Major General Ahmed served in various capacities within the KDF, steadily rising through the ranks in a profession historically dominated by men.
Her leadership has been widely credited with inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers in the armed forces.
