President William Ruto has approved a major reshuffle in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), promoting senior officers, appointing new commanders and extending the tenure of the Kenya Navy Commander in changes aimed at strengthening the country’s military leadership.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Defence on June 5, 2026, the President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, acted on recommendations made by the Defence Council chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.
Among the key changes, Major General John Maiso Nkoimo was appointed Deputy Commander of the Kenya Army, replacing Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan, who has retired from service. Prior to the appointment, Major General Nkoimo served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Central Command.
Brigadier Mohamud Salah Farah, who previously served as Base Commander at Laikipia Air Base, was appointed Deputy Air Force Commander.
The President also promoted Brigadier William Kamoiro to the rank of Major General and appointed him the new General Officer Commanding Central Command.
In another significant promotion, Brigadier Peter Kipketer Limo was elevated to Major General and appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics at Defence Headquarters. He takes over from Major General Edward Rugendo, who has been appointed Managing Director of the Defence Forces Welfare Services.
Further, President Ruto extended the tenure of Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Owuor Otieno by one year, retaining him at the helm of the naval service.
The changes also saw Brigadier (Dr.) Francis Njoroge Kuria promoted to Major General and appointed Director of Medical Services.
Within the Kenya Army, Colonel Mark Joseph Awala was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Operations at Kenya Army Headquarters, while Colonel Makonani Balata was elevated to Brigadier and appointed Commander of Langata Garrison. Colonel Asma Diramo Kofa was also promoted to Brigadier and named Chief of Provost at the Directorate of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability.
In the Kenya Air Force, Colonel Peter Karigih Kariuki was promoted to Brigadier and appointed College Secretary at the National Defence College. Colonel Benedetta Margaret Kikechi was elevated to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Research and Development at the Defence National Security Industries.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Bernadette Awar Eyanae was promoted to the rank of Colonel and appointed Colonel Plans and Programs at the International Peace Support Training Centre.
The appointments, promotions and postings mark one of the most significant military leadership changes this year and are expected to reinforce command structures and operational readiness across the Kenya Defence Forces.
