History made: Kenya appoints first woman air force head

Kenya has made history by appointing a woman to lead its air force for the very first time.

Maj Gen Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed has been selected for this significant role. This appointment by Kenya's President, William Ruto, is especially important given the tragic helicopter crash that occurred just last month.

The crash claimed the lives of key military figures, including the previous leader, prompting an urgent need for fresh leadership within the air force. Maj Gen Ahmed now steps into this pivotal position, marking a significant milestone in Kenya's military history and exemplifying strides towards gender equality and representation within the country's armed forces.

Her appointment to the top job in the air force shows that anyone, regardless of gender, can do it. Maj Gen Fatumah Gaiti Ahmed is Kenya’s first woman to lead the air force, a role that's usually held by men.

She's also the first woman to become a brigadier and major general.

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Everything about Maj Gen Fatumah Gaiti Ahmed

Gen Ahmed was born in 1965 and went to Aga Khan High School in Nairobi. She finished her studies at the National Defence College and Defence Staff College in July 2000. She also got a Diploma in Management from Strathmore University College.

After completing her education in 1983, Gen Ahmed was on her way to get her ID when she noticed a recruitment ad by the Kenyan Defence Forces. Taking a chance, she applied and was accepted.

Gen Ahmed joined the Kenya Military Academy as an officer cadet in 1984, and from then on, her progress was unstoppable. Upon completing her training, she was appointed as a second lieutenant in the Kenyan Women’s Service Corps in 1985.

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This Corps was specifically for women recruits, functioning separately from other branches of the military, supposedly to offer support services to male officers.

In a 2015 interview with the African news outlet Nation, she remarked, “It was just an opportunity that presented itself and I decided to go for it.”

However, in 1999, the Women’s Corps was disbanded, and Gen Ahmed was transferred to the Kenyan Air Force.

Significantly, Gen Ahmed became the first woman in Kenyan military history to advance in rank.

In 2015, she was elevated to the rank of Brigadier by then President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In 2021, her exceptional career was further recognised when she was promoted to the rank of Major General.

In 2023, President William Ruto appointed her as the Senior Directing Staff Air.

Maj Gen Ahmed also worked as the second-in-command of a battalion and as a staff officer handling audit, personnel, and records.

(With inputs from agencies)