KDF leadership changes announced as Ruto promotes senior officers
By Mustafa Juma, June 5, 2026The government has announced wide-ranging changes in the leadership of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), following a series of promotions, postings, and appointments approved by President William Ruto in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief.
According to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Friday, June 5, 2026, the reshuffle was undertaken on the recommendation of the Defence Council, chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, and affects senior command positions across the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, and other key defence institutions.
Key top-level KDF appointments
Major General John Maiso Nkoimo has been appointed Deputy Commander of the Kenya Army, replacing Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan, who has retired from service. Before his appointment, Nkoimo served as the General Officer Commanding Central Command.
“His Excellency Hon Dr William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces upon recommendation of the Defence Council, has today appointed Major General John Maiso Nkoimo as the Deputy Commander, Kenya Army. He replaces Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan who has proceeded for retirement,” the statement reads in part.
In the Kenya Air Force, Brigadier Mohamud Salah Farah, formerly Base Commander at Laikipia Air Base, has been appointed Deputy Air Force Commander.
“Additionally, Brigadier Mohamud Salah Farah who was the Base Commander at Laikipia Air Base, has been appointed the Deputy Air Force Commander,” the statement added.
Major KDF promotions and new command roles
Several senior officers have also been elevated and reassigned to strategic leadership positions.
Brigadier William Kamoiro has been promoted to Major General and appointed General Officer Commanding Central Command.
Brigadier Peter Kipketer Limo has been promoted to Major General and appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics at Defence Headquarters.
Major General Edward Rugendo has been moved to head the Defence Forces Welfare Services as Managing Director, replacing Limo.
Brigadier (Dr) Francis Njoroge Kuria has been promoted to Major General and appointed Director of Medical Services.
Brigadier William Kamoiro (as listed in the statement) will oversee Central Command operations following his elevation.
Other promotions include Brigadier Mark Joseph Awala, who has been appointed Chief of Operations at Kenya Army Headquarters, Brigadier Makonani Balata, who has been appointed Commander of Lang’ata Garrison, Brigadier Asma Diramo Kofa, who has been appointed Chief of Provost at the Directorate of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability, and Brigadier Benedetta Margaret Kikechi, appointed College Secretary at the National Defence College.
Brigadier Francis Njoroge Kuria has also been confirmed in medical leadership restructuring within the Defence Medical Services, Brigadier Peter Karigih Kariuki has been appointed Chief of Research and Development at Defence National Security Industries, and Lieutenant Colonel Bernadette Awar Eyanae has been promoted to Colonel and appointed Colonel Plans and Programmes at the International Peace Support Training Centre.
Navy leadership
The statement further confirmed an extension of service for Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Owuor Otieno by one year, following approval by the Defence Council.
The reshuffle marks one of the most significant military leadership realignments in recent months, affecting both command positions and specialised directorates within the KDF.