Kenya Air Force at 60: Ruto announces training of 200 pilots annually

At least 200 pilots will be trained annually starting in 2025 to strengthen the Kenya Air Force (KAF) and support civilian capabilities in Kenya and the region, President William Ruto has announced.

Ruto spoke at the Moi Airbase in Nairobi on Saturday during celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the KAF.

The president further announced the construction of more housing units at the barracks in the next two years, with the first phase covering 10,000.

Following concerns about the fate of the airbase, he promised to protect the facility and said all developers must adhere to the standards agreed upon by the KAF and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

"In collaboration with Nairobi County, we will ensure this airbase does not lose its position," he said.

Further, President Ruto honoured Kenya's servicemen and women, among them the late Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla, noting they have played key roles in foreign missions that have helped bring peace and assist victims of disasters.

He said that the reorganisation that followed the 1992 coup has seen the service emerge stronger, after adversity, and affirmed the government's commitment to modernising military capabilities for mission readiness.

The president said this formed part of his discussions on two key trips he undertook recently: his US state visit and his trip to Seoul for the Korea-Africa Summit.

"It is a day to honour the men and women who wear the KAF uniform with pride. The KAF has evolved into a powerful, sophisticated force," he said, calling for a minute of silence for Gen. Ogolla.

Excellent servicemen and women

In his address, CDF Charles Kahariri said the event was a testament to the resilience and dedication of men and women who have served this nation's security in the skies.

"The legacy of our colleagues who died in service will remain," General Kahariri said.

Gen. Kahariri recognised Major General Fatuma Ahmed, who is Kenya's first female Air Force commander. Maj. Gen. Fatuma is the 18th commander of the service, responsible for safeguarding Kenyan skies and defending its sovereignty. She succeeded Lt. Gen. John Omenda. who became the Vice Chief of Defence Forces.

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Gen. Kahariri thanked the president for the record-setting appointment and also took note of the "high quality of staff at KAF, including pilots, engineers, technicians, and doctors."

He also announced that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) would lead efforts to ensure environmental security is achieved as per the government's target.

Key milestones

Maj. Gen. Fatuma said that in the past 60 years, the KAF has remained focused on its mandate, reaching key milestones including providing logistical support during humanitarian crises, contributing to successful security missions including Operation Lida Nchi, Operation Amani Boni, and Operation Maliza Uhalifu.

She also cited the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in Somalia.

Maj. Gen. Fatuma also honoured KAF commanders, including Gen. Ogolla, who served between July 2018 and July 2021, and Maj. Gen. Dedan Gichuru, the first Indigenous commander who served post-independence.

Among those who graced the occasion were Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Defence Committee members, military officials and their families, diplomats, and defence attachés from several countries, including China, Ethiopia, and Rwanda.

Also present were Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Mohamed Badi, who was the director-general of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), and Joel Rabuku, son of the late Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla. Joel received gifts in honour of his father.