Kenya’s President Ruto appoints first female Chief of Air Force

Kenya’s President William Ruto has made history by appointing the first female commander of the air force.

Major General Fatuma Ahmed’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Kenya, as she becomes the first woman to lead one of the military services in the country.

Her appointment comes in the wake of the tragic helicopter crash last month, which claimed the lives of the military chief and others. Alongside Major General Ahmed, other leaders, including a new head of the armed forces, were appointed to fill the vacuum left by the unfortunate incident. General Charles Kahariri was promoted to assume the vacant position.

Major General Ahmed has shattered several glass ceilings throughout her military career, which has traditionally been male-dominated. Notably, she was the first woman to ascend to the ranks of brigadier and major general within the military.

Her journey began in 1983 when she joined the military under the Women Service Corps, an exclusive unit dedicated to women’s involvement in support roles such as administration, logistics, medical, and communication. The Women Service Corps operated independently from the other branches of the defense forces until its disbandment in 1999. This dissolution paved the way for its members, including Major General Ahmed, to integrate into the main military services—namely, the navy, air force, and army.

The integration of the Women Service Corps not only expanded opportunities for women to engage in military duties but also facilitated the progression of individuals like Major General Ahmed through the ranks.

Her rise through the military ranks serves as a beacon of progress in advancing gender equality within the armed forces. In 2018, during her promotion to major general, President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed his confidence in her ability to serve as a positive role model for women across the nation. He encouraged her to demonstrate that there are no limits for women in any profession.

Major General Ahmed has often cited her inspiration to join the military, attributing it to an uncle who served in the military. She admired his discipline and hard work, which profoundly influenced her from an early age. Despite facing discouragement from some family members who believed the military was not a suitable profession for women, Major General Ahmed remained steadfast in her determination to make a difference in her life and in the military.