Major General Bernard Waliaula has officially assumed command of the Kenya Air Force (KAF), taking over from Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed during a Change of Guard ceremony held on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Headquarters Kenya Air Force, Nairobi.

This came following an appointment by President William Samoei Ruto; Major General Waliaula became the 18th Commander of the Kenya Air Force. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Director General of Defence National Security Industries (DNSI).

“Major General Bernard Waliaula has officially assumed command of the Kenya Air Force (KAF), taking over from Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed during a Change of Guard ceremony held at Headquarters Kenya Air Force, Nairobi,” KDF said in a statement.

The Change of Guard ceremony marked the conclusion of a week-long handover program, which included visits to key Kenya Air Force bases and formations: Moi Air Base, Laikipia Air Base, Wajir Air Base, and Embakasi Air Base. These engagements facilitated the formal transfer of operational responsibilities and command authority and provided both commanders with an opportunity to engage with personnel and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Fatuma’s tenure

Major General Fatuma Ahmed leaves the service after an exceptional 40-year career in the Kenya Defence Forces. As the first woman to serve as a service commander within the KDF, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence, integrity, and professionalism.

In her farewell address, she stated, “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.”

In his remarks, Major General Bernard Waliaula expressed gratitude for the strong foundation laid by his predecessor and called for unity and commitment among all ranks.

“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.

The Change of Guard ceremony was attended by senior leadership as well as senior officers, principal staff officers, officers, and service members drawn from across the Kenya Air Force.