The three arms of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) held investiture of ranks ceremonies at their respective Service Headquarters in Nairobi and Mombasa following the promotions and appointments made by President William Ruto on June 27, 2025.
During these ceremonies held on July 2, the newly promoted officers were formally decorated with their new rank badges.
The Kenya Army investiture ceremony took place at the Ngao Gardens in Nairobi.
The incoming Kenya Army Commander, Lieutenant General David Keter, presided over the ceremony alongside the outgoing Commander, Lieutenant General David Tarus.
General Officers, Senior Officers, and Service Members were in attendance.
In his remarks, Lt Gen Keter congratulated the newly promoted officers and acknowledged their dedication and hard work.
He emphasised the critical responsibilities that come with leadership, urging the officers to lead with integrity and purpose.
“Today, you step into a role that demands more than skill or courage — it requires leadership. You’ve earned your rank, but leadership is earned daily. This is your charge to lead with purpose, serve with honour, and never forget that your actions ripple far beyond the moment,” Lt Gen Keter said.
Upholding Integrity and Professionalism
At the Kenya Air Force (KAF) headquarters in Eastleigh, Nairobi, the investiture ceremony for newly promoted KAF officers was held at the Talanta Theatre Auditorium at the Moi Air Base.
The event was officiated by the incoming Commander Kenya Air Force, Major General Bernard Waliaula, and the outgoing Commander, Major General Fatuma Ahmed.
Major General Waliaula expressed his gratitude to the outgoing commander for her exemplary service and congratulated the officers on their new ranks.
“I thank the outgoing Commander for her dedicated leadership. To the newly promoted officers, this is a call to greater responsibility. I urge you to remain focused, uphold professionalism, and serve with integrity,” he said.
Also Read: Ruto Makes Changes in KDF, Appoints New Army and Air Force Commanders
Kenya Navy Reminded of Their New Responsibility
Similarly, the Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, presided over the investiture ceremony for newly promoted naval officers at Headquarters in Mtongwe, Mombasa.
Major General Otieno commended the officers for their resilience, commitment, and leadership.
He reminded them of the weight of responsibility now placed upon them.
“You have been entrusted with greater responsibilities—not just for the well-being of the officers and sailors under you, but for the overall success of the roles allocated to you. Leadership is not about ranks; it is about service to your nation and to the principles that bind the KDF together,” he stated.
The investiture of ranks remains a revered tradition within the military, symbolising trust, authority, and responsibility bestowed upon officers.
It reflects the core values of service, honour, and sacrifice that continue to define the Kenya Defence Forces’ operational ethos.
Also Read: UK to Train Thousands of KDF Soldiers Every Year
Notable KDF Promotions
President Ruto made several promotions and appointments across the Kenya Army, Air Force, and Navy.
Among the other notable ones is the promotion of Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi to Major General and appointment as Commandant of the Kenya Military Academy.
Ruto also promoted Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei to the rank of Major General.
She was appointed as the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Centre for Strategic and Security Studies at NDU-K.
In the Kenya Army, Brigadiers Faustino Mancha, Charles Lenjo Mwazighe, Mohamed Isak Iddi, Edward Rugendo, and Richard Wambua Mwanzia were promoted to Major General and assigned to senior leadership roles.
Colonels Herbert Wafula, Ismail Noor, Victor Kang’ethe, and Rodah Mwasigwa of the Kenya Airforce were promoted to Brigadier.
Brigadier Timothy Lekoloolhas of the Kenya Navy was promoted to Major General.
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