Kenya’s President William Ruto has appointed Maj Gen Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed as the first female commander of the air force, marking a significant milestone in the country’s military leadership.
Maj Gen Ahmed’s appointment comes after the unfortunate helicopter crash that claimed the lives of the military chief and others last month.
Alongside her, Gen Charles Kahariri was promoted to fill the vacant position of head of the armed forces.
Maj Gen Ahmed’s career has been marked by several notable achievements, including being the first woman to attain the ranks of brigadier and major general in Kenya’s male-dominated military.
Her journey began in 1983 when she joined the Women Service Corps, an exclusive unit that focused on support duties such as administration, logistics, medical, and communication within the armed forces.
The disbandment of the Women Service Corps in 1999 allowed its members to integrate into the main military services, providing more opportunities for women like Maj Gen Ahmed to excel and advance through the ranks.
Her rise to the top has been praised as a significant step towards gender equality within the armed forces.
In a previous promotion ceremony in 2018, President Kenyatta highlighted Maj Gen Ahmed’s role as a positive role model for women, urging her to demonstrate that there are no limits for women in the military.
Despite initial discouragement from some family members, Maj Gen Ahmed remained determined to pursue her military career, inspired by her uncle’s dedication and work ethic in the military.
Her appointment as the first female air force commander is a testament to her perseverance and commitment to breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Source-BBC
