Maj-Gen Bernard Waliaula takes over the command of the Kenya Air Force from his predecessor, Maj-Gen Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, during a ceremonial Change of Guard held on Friday, July 4, at the KAF Headquarters in Nairobi. /KDF
Major General Bernard Waliaula has officially assumed command of the Kenya Air Force (KAF), succeeding Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed in a ceremonial Change of Guard held on Friday, July 4, at the KAF Headquarters in Nairobi.
Major General Waliaula becomes the 18th Commander of the Kenya Air Force following his appointment by President William Ruto, the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Until his elevation, Waliaula was the Director General of Defence National Security Industries (DNSI).
The Change of Guard ceremony concluded a week-long handover programme that saw both commanders tour key KAF installations, including Moi Air Base, Laikipia Air Base, Wajir Air Base, and Embakasi Air Base.
The visits enabled a formal transfer of operational responsibilities and provided an opportunity for the commanders to interact with personnel and ensure a seamless leadership transition.
The Change of Guard ceremony was attended by senior defence leadership, principal staff officers, officers and service members from across the Kenya Air Force, marking a solemn yet celebratory moment in the service’s history.
Maj-Gen Bernard Waliaula takes over the command of the Kenya Air Force from his predecessor Maj-Gen Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed during a ceremonial Change of Guard held on Friday, July 4 at the KAF Headquarters in Nairobi. /KDFMajor General Fatuma Ahmed retires from the military after a distinguished 40-year career marked by historic milestones.
She became the first woman to serve as a Service Commander in the history of the KDF—an achievement that broke barriers and inspired many within and beyond the military ranks.
In her farewell remarks, Major General Ahmed expressed confidence in her successor.
“I hand over to you a Force that is loyal, highly skilled, and committed. I have full confidence in your leadership and wish you every success as you take this great institution to the next level,” she said.
Her successor, Major General Waliaula, praised her trailblazing service and pledged to build upon the legacy she leaves behind.
“Your leadership has laid a strong foundation, and it is now our collective duty to build on it with discipline, professionalism, and commitment to the mission of defending our skies,” he said.
With his assumption of command, Major General Waliaula now steers the Kenya Air Force into its next chapter, tasked with upholding the institution’s core values and operational readiness in an evolving security environment.
Maj-Gen Bernard Waliaula takes over the command of the Kenya Air Force from his predecessor, Maj-Gen Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, during a ceremonial Change of Guard held on Friday, July 4, at the KAF Headquarters in Nairobi. /KDF
