Fatumah Ahmed has, once again, made history as the first woman to become a major-general in Kenya Defence Forces barely two years after she became the first female brigadier.
Ahmed was among a host of new military chiefs who were sworn in by President Kenyatta on Friday at State House Nairobi.
“It is my pride and joy today to launch the first Kenyan woman as a major-general in the republic. I am counting on you to be a role model to the women in this republic and to prove to them that there is no limits for the Kenyan women,” Mr Kenyatta told Maj-Gen Ahmed.
Also sworn in was the new Air Force Major-General Francis Ogolla who takes over from Major-General Samuel Tuita who has retired.
Others were Lieutenant-General Walter Raria (new Army Commander), Lieutenant-General and Robert Kibochi who is now vice chief of the Kenya Defence Forces.
“We are grateful and thankful for the service that you have provided to this country for many years, we look forward to working with you in all capacities as we continue to work towards growing, developing and defending our nation,” President kenyatta said.
On August 11, 2015, Ahmed made history when she became the first female brigadier of KDF, in promotions announced by President Kenyatta.
The Kenya Air Force brigadier, who was promoted from colonel in 2015, was also named the boss in charge of personnel.
The new major-general joined the military in 1983 and served in the Women Service Corps until the unit was integrated into the main military structure.
She was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in 1985 and posted to the Air Force.
Brigadier Ahmed, who is a graduate of the prestigious National Defence College and the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies, has also served as a battalion second-in-command, in addition to other positions in administration.
She also holds a diploma in management from Strathmore University.
-nation.co.ke
