Kenya Defence Forces(KDF) Major General Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu officially retired from the army on Wednesday, October 2.
In a takeover ceremony held in the Kenya Military Academy (KMA) Lanet, Nakuru County, the commandant passed the leadership mantle to Brigadier Peter Muthama Kimondiu, the Academy’s Chief Instructor.
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Kiugu briefed Brig. Kimondiu on key matters to help him transition smoothly into his new role as Commandant.
In his farewell address, Maj. Gen. Kiugu expressed gratitude for his years of service to the nation and encouraged the cadets to remain committed to their training, emphasizing the importance of exemplary service and sacrifice in defending Kenya.
KDF Soldier retires from the army
“As I exit this service, I am satisfied with my accomplishments, having upheld the Kaizen philosophy as my guide. I urge everyone to embrace the spirit of continuous improvement,” he said.
Brig. Kimondiu praised Maj. Gen. Kiugu for his dedicated military career, expressing best wishes for his future endeavours.
The event was attended by key military and academic figures, including Brigadier William Kamoiru, Commander 2 Brigade; Brigadier Adan Hassan, Commandant Joint Warfare Center; Professor Ann Muigai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic & Student Affairs at the National Defence University-Kenya; as well as Senior Officers, faculty, cadets, and service members.
Maj. Gen. Kiugu leaves the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) after 36 years of distinguished service, during which he held various command and staff appointments both locally and abroad.
His strategic leadership and extensive experience greatly impacted the ranks under his command, leaving behind a legacy of high military standards, discipline, and professionalism.
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During his tenure as the commandant, Kiugu played a crucial role in leading the multinational force named East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), which included troops contributed by Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and the Republic of Burundi.
The multinational force which was deployed in November 2022 was tasked to “contain defeat and eliminate negative forces” in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kiugi spearheaded the multinational force until January 30 when the mission ended.
Under the helm of EACRF leadership, Kiugu was credited with facilitating a ceasefire between M23 and FARDC, warring groups in the DRC, despite limited resources.
Kiugu Profile
Major General Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu enlisted into the Kenya Defence Forces in 1988, was commissioned in 1989 and upon completion of the Officer Basic Course at the then Armed Forces Training College (AFTC), now Kenya Military Academy (KMA) he was posted to School of Armour.
He was promoted to the rank of Major General in the year 2021 and appointed ACDF P & L and later deployed as the Force Commander EACRF before his current appointment as the Commandant Kenya Military Academy.
His military experience has been enriched through various Command and Staff appointments at the Kenya Defence Forces both locally and overseas and includes:
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Chief of Logistic DHQ, Comd Armd Bde, Chief of Ops DHQ, Col Budget, Commanding Officer 78 Tk Bn, SOII Ops and Trg, SOII Recs, Senior Instructor Tac Wing Sch of Arm, SQN Comd 81 Tk Bn, Instructor College HQs AFTC, SOII Pers Armoured Bde and Instructor Missile Technical Wing Sch of Arm. He also served with the United Nations.
These deployments were in peacetime and active operations.
Major General Kiugu’s professional journey has been dedicated to mastering the intricacies of defence strategies, and contributing to the field of national security and leadership.
Education and Awards
He holds a Master of Military Art and Science from the USA and a Master of Science degree in Security and Risk Management from the University of Leicester.
The retired soldier is a graduate of the National Defence College, Kenya along with a Diploma in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.
He has been awarded various decorations including The Chief of the Burning Spear (CBS), Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS), United Nation Peace Keeping Medals and 20 Great Years Nyayo Era Medal.
Major General Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu is married and blessed with children.
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