Major General Bernard Waliaula has officially taken command of the Kenya Air Force, succeeding trailblazer Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed in a Change of Guard ceremony held on Friday, July 4, at the KAF Headquarters in Nairobi.

Waliaula becomes the 18th Commander of the Kenya Air Force, following his appointment by President William Ruto, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces.

Before his new role, Waliaula served as Director General of Defence National Security Industries (DNSI).

His assumption of command marked the conclusion of a week-long transition programme, during which he and his predecessor visited key air bases, Moi, Laikipia, Wajir, and Embakasi—to oversee a structured handover and engage with service members across the Force.

The ceremony brought together top defence officials, principal staff officers, and personnel from various units, in a moment that honoured not only continuity but also the close of a groundbreaking military chapter.

Major General Fatuma Ahmed exits the military after a remarkable four-decade journey, having made history as the first woman to lead a service in the Kenya Defence Forces. Her leadership paved the way for greater inclusivity within the ranks.

In her parting message, she expressed confidence in Waliaula’s ability to lead the Force into the future.
“I hand over to you a Force that is loyal, highly skilled, and committed. I have full confidence in your leadership and wish you every success as you take this great institution to the next level,” she said.

Waliaula, in turn, praised her legacy and pledged to build on the foundation she laid.
“Your leadership has laid a strong foundation, and it is now our collective duty to build on it with discipline, professionalism, and commitment to the mission of defending our skies,” he said.

Now at the helm, Major General Waliaula faces the task of guiding the Kenya Air Force through a dynamic security landscape while upholding its operational standards and institutional values.