President William Ruto, in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, has enacted a significant restructuring within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), announcing new commanders for both the Kenya Army and the Kenya Air Force, alongside a host of other strategic promotions and appointments. These changes, which followed a Defence Council meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Defence Roselinda Soipan Tuya, were upheld by the President, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's military leadership.

A major highlight of these changes is the appointment of Lieutenant General David Kipkemboi Ketter as the new Commander Kenya Army. Promoted from Major General to Lieutenant General, Ketter replaces Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina Tarus, who has been redeployed to the National Defence University – Kenya (NDU-K) as its Vice Chancellor. Prior to this elevated role, Lt Gen Ketter served as the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics. His appointment is particularly significant in the context of the 'Tonje Rules,' which suggest the Kenya Army is next in line to assume the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) position after the current CDF, General Charles Kahariri, who hails from the Navy, completes his term in 2028. Ketter's extensive background, including leadership roles in military sports and participation in key seminars on leadership and mentorship, positions him well for his new responsibilities and potential future advancement.

Concurrently, Major General Benard Waliaula has been appointed as the Commander Kenya Air Force. He takes over from Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed, a pioneering figure and Kenya's first female Air Force Commander, whose distinguished 42-year term of service has come to an end. Maj Gen Waliaula previously served as the Director of Defence National Security Industries, bringing a wealth of experience to his new command.

Further reinforcing the KDF's strategic capabilities, several other key promotions and appointments were made. Brigadier Joel Muriungi M’arimi was promoted to Major General and appointed Commandant Kenya Military Academy, having previously commanded the Armoured Brigade. Brigadier Joyce Chelang’at Sitienei was also elevated to Major General and named Deputy Vice Chancellor for the Centre for Strategic and Security Studies at NDU-K; she formerly directed the International Peace Support Centre. These appointments underscore a commitment to strengthening military education and strategic studies.

The extensive reshuffle also included other notable promotions to Major General: Brig Faustino Mancha Lobaly as Director National Defence Security Industries; Brig Charles Lenjo Mwazighe as Director International Peace Support Centre; Brigadier Mohamed Isak Iddi as Director at the Directorate of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability (DOCA); Brigadier Edward Rugendo as Director of Personnel and Logistics; Brigadier Richard Wambua Mwanzia as Senior Directing Staff Army at National Defence College; and Brigadier Timothy Stelu Lekolool as Senior Directing Staff at National Defence College. Additionally, several colonels were promoted to Brigadier, including Colonel Said Mohamed Mwacharo (Chief of Infrastructure), Colonel Meshack Sinkira Kishoyian (Commander 6 Brigade), Colonel Ronald Mesa Makori (Chief of Strategic Plans and Policy), Colonel Herbert Mabele Wafula (Base Commander Moi Airbase), Colonel Ismail Guhad Noor (Deputy Managing Director at Kenya Ordinance Factories Limited and Food Processing Factory), Colonel Victor Waithaka Kang’ethe (Director National Air Support Department - NASD), and Colonel Peter Musili Muthungu (Head of Production at Kenya Shipyard Limited). Promotions also extended to Lieutenant Colonels, with Lt Col Wilfrida Atieno Omolo becoming Commander Kenya Navy Logistics and Lieutenant Colonel Safari Katana Kalume becoming Senior Directing Staff Navy Joint Warfare Centre. These comprehensive changes reflect a concerted effort to optimize leadership across various crucial departments and units within the Kenya Defence Forces.