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CS Tuya bids farewell to Kenya’s first female Major General Fatuma Ahmed

CS Tuya bids farewell to Kenya’s first female Major General Fatuma Ahmed
Soipan Tuya and the retired Major General Fatuma Ahmed. PHOTO/@SoipanTuya/X

Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya has said goodbye to Major General (Rtd) Fatuma Ahmed, who has retired from the Kenya Defence Forces after 42 years of service.

In a message posted on X on Friday 11, 2025, Tuya praised the retired Air Force Commander for her long and outstanding career.

“Bade farewell to the outgoing Kenya Air Force Commander Maj Gen (Rtd) Fatuma Ahmed who has retired from Kenya Defence Forces after 42 years of distinguished service,” she wrote.

Fatuma Ahmed made history by becoming the first woman in Kenya’s military to reach the rank of Major General. She also became the first female commander of a full KDF service, leading the Kenya Air Force.

Her journey in the military broke many barriers. She showed that women can serve and lead at the highest levels, even in fields once seen as only for men. Her rise through the ranks has inspired many young women in Kenya and beyond.

CS Tuya described her as “a trailblazer and an icon” and added that her story gives hope to many women in the security forces.

Soipan Tuya and the retired Major General Fatuma Ahmed. PHOTO/@SoipanTuya/X
Soipan Tuya and the retired Major General Fatuma Ahmed. PHOTO/@SoipanTuya/X

A legacy of leadership

Fatuma joined the military in 1983 and served in different roles over the years. She was known for her discipline, professionalism and quiet strength. Those who worked with her say she was firm but fair, always focused on doing her duty well.

Her retirement is not just the end of a long military career, but also a moment to reflect on the changes she helped bring. Many hope that her legacy will open more doors for women in the army, navy and air force.

The X post by Soipan Tuya. PHOTO: Screengrab by K24 Digital.
The X post by Soipan Tuya. PHOTO: Screengrab by K24 Digital.

As she now begins a new chapter in life, Kenyans from all walks of life have thanked her for her service. Her name will remain in the country’s history as someone who led by example and made a real difference.

Author

Kenneth Mwenda

Kenneth Mwenda is a digital writer with over five years of experience. He graduated in February 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from The Co-operative University of Kenya. He has written news and feature stories for platforms such as Construction Review Online, Sports Brief, Briefly News, and Criptonizando. In 2023, he completed a course in Digital Investigation Techniques with AFP. He joined People Daily in May 2025. For inquiries, he can be reached at kenneth.mwenda@mediamax.ke.

View all posts by Kenneth Mwenda

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