By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, June 05, 2026 - President William Ruto has extended the tenure of Kenya Navy Commander Major General Paul Otieno by one year in a major shake-up of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) that has seen senior officers promoted, redeployed and appointed to key command positions.
The changes, announced by the Ministry of Defence on Friday, were made by the President in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces upon the recommendation of the Defence Council chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.
The extension of Major General Otieno's term signals continued confidence in his leadership of the Kenya Navy at a time when maritime security remains a critical component of Kenya's national defence strategy.
Responding to the extension of his tenure, Major General Otieno expressed gratitude to the Head of State and pledged unwavering commitment to duty.
"I sincerely thank His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces for the noble appointment and confidence bestowed upon me. I remain committed to serving our nation with humility, diligence and utmost respect for the rule of law. I will continue to uphold loyalty to the authorities and command structures established under the Constitution and the Kenya Defence Forces," said Otieno.
The military reshuffle also saw Major General John Maiso Nkoimo appointed Deputy Commander of the Kenya Army, replacing Major General Mohamed Nur Hassan who has proceeded on retirement. Prior to the appointment, Nkoimo served as General Officer Commanding Central Command.
In the Kenya Air Force, Brigadier Mohamud Salah Farah was appointed Deputy Air Force Commander after serving as Base Commander at Laikipia Air Base.
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President Ruto further promoted Brigadier William Kamoiro to the rank of Major General and appointed him General Officer Commanding Central Command. Brigadier Peter Kipketer Limo was also elevated to Major General and appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics at Defence Headquarters.
The changes further affected several senior officers across the Army and Air Force. Brigadier (Dr) Francis Njoroge Kuria was promoted to Major General and appointed Director of Medical Services, while Colonels Mark Joseph Awala, Makonani Balata and Asma Diramo Kofa were elevated to the rank of Brigadier and assigned strategic command responsibilities.
The latest appointments underscore ongoing efforts by the Defence Council and military leadership to strengthen command structures, enhance operational effectiveness and prepare the armed forces for emerging security challenges.
The changes come as Kenya continues to modernise its military capabilities while maintaining its reputation as one of Africa's leading contributors to regional peacekeeping and security operations.
For Major General Otieno, whose tenure has now been extended for another year, the message was clear: service to country remains paramount.
"Our duty is to safeguard the sovereignty of our nation and serve the people of Kenya faithfully. That responsibility remains our guiding principle," he said.