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President William Ruto Thursday, May 2nd made an historic appointment, naming Maj Gen Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed as the first female commander of the air force, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s military history.
Maj Gen Ahmed’s appointment as the head of the air force comes as part of a broader reshuffling of military leadership, prompted by the tragic helicopter crash last month that claimed the lives of the military chief and others. Alongside Maj Gen Ahmed, Gen Charles Kahariri was promoted to assume the vacant position of military chief.
Maj Gen Ahmed’s ascent to the helm of the air force is not her first groundbreaking achievement in Kenya’s male-dominated military leadership. She previously made history as the first woman to attain the ranks of brigadier and major general. Her remarkable journey began in 1983 when she joined the military under the Women Service Corps, an exclusive unit responsible for support duties like administration, logistics, medical services, and communications.
The disbandment of the Women Service Corps in 1999 paved the way for its members, including Maj Gen Ahmed, to integrate into the main military services, such as the navy, air force, and army. This transition opened up new avenues for women to participate in military duties and enabled individuals like Maj Gen Ahmed to ascend through the ranks.
Maj Gen Ahmed’s rise has been lauded as a significant step towards gender equality within the armed forces. In 2018, as she was promoted to major general, then President Uhuru Kenyatta hailed her as a beacon of inspiration for women across the country. “Prove to them that there are no limits for women,” President Kenyatta remarked, highlighting Maj Gen Ahmed’s potential to serve as a positive role model.
Reflecting on her journey, Maj Gen Ahmed cited her uncle’s influence as a pivotal factor that inspired her to pursue a military career. Despite facing skepticism from some family members who questioned the suitability of the profession for women, Maj Gen Ahmed remained steadfast in her determination to make a difference. “I was determined to make a difference in my life,” she stated during an interview in 2018.
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