Kwale Governor Fatuma Mohamed Achani has hailed President William Ruto for appointing Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed as the first woman service commander.
President Ruto promoted Major General Fatuma to Kenya Air Force Commander, becoming the first-ever woman service commander to occupy the position in the military top brass.
“I send my warmest congratulations to Major General Fatuma on her promotion as Kenya Air Force Commander,” said Achani.
Achani who is the first female Governor from the coastal region noted that the new air force service commander is an inspiration to the girl child and all women in leadership positions.
The coastal county boss said the appointment of Maj- Gen Fatuma marks an important milestone and is seen as a promise fulfilled by President Ruto in ensuring inclusivity and gender equity in public service.
Maj-Gen Fatuma joined the military in 1983 serving under the Women Service Corps a woman-only outfit that operated as a separate entity from the other main arms of the defence forces before it was disbanded in 1999 and its members allowed to join the main military services – the navy, air force and army.
She termed the military appointment as an opportunity to engage and empower women on transformational leadership and governance.
Governor Achani also noted that the inclusivity of women serving in high-ranking positions will amplify the voice of women on national and gender issues which will create a platform for networking, enhance transformational approach towards leadership and offer mentorship growth for young women and girls.
She said the victory of seven women governors in the August 2022 general election was a testament to the changing narrative of leadership in Kenya where women are seen and recognised as equal stakeholders in building the nation.
Achani says the seven women governors in the country dubbed the G7 have launched a strategy to increase the number of female governors from 7 to at least 16 in the 2027 general elections. “We as women leaders should continue to stand by one another and celebrate the remarkable achievements we have attained since inception of devolution,” said Achani.
President Ruto as the Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces also promoted Lieutenant General Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of General and appointed him Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
The new CDF now takes over the post left vacant following the death of General Francis Ogolla in a helicopter crash.
At the same time, the current Kenya Army Commander, Major General John Mugaravai Omenda, has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and named Vice Chief of Defence Forces.
Other appointments include that of Major General Thomas Ng’ang’a, currently Kenya Navy commander, to the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Finance, at the National Defence University-Kenya.
Ng’ang’a, will now be replaced by Major General Paul Owuor Otieno, who takes over as the new navy chief.
By Hussein Abdullahi
