Maj. Gen. John Maiso Named Kenya’s Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
President William Ruto has announced a series of promotions, appointments and postings within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
In changes announced on Friday, the General Officer Commanding Central Command, Maj Gen John Maiso Nkoimo, was named Deputy Commander of the Kenya Army.
This followed a Defence Council meeting chaired by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.
Maj Gen Nkoimo replaces Maj Gen Mohamed Nur Hassan, who has proceeded on retirement. Additionally, Brig Mohamud Salah Farah, who was the Base Commander at Laikipia Air Base, was appointed Deputy Commander of the Kenya Air Force.
Brig William Kamoiro was promoted to the rank of Maj Gen and appointed General Officer Commanding Central Command.
Brig Peter Kipketer Limo was also promoted to Maj Gen and appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics at the Defence Headquarters.
Brig Limo replaces Maj Gen Edward Rugendo, who was appointed Managing Director at the Defence Forces Welfare Services. Until his appointment, Brig Limo was serving as Managing Director at the same institution.
The President extended the tenure of service of Kenya Navy Commander Maj Gen Paul Owuor Otieno for one year. He also upheld the Council’s recommendations and approved various promotions, postings and appointments of Kenya Defence Forces officers.
Brig (Dr) Francis Njoroge Kuria was promoted to Maj Gen and appointed Director of Medical Services, while Col Mark Joseph Awala was promoted to Brig and appointed Chief of Operations at Kenya Army Headquarters. Col Makonani Balata was also promoted to Brig and appointed Commander of Lang’ata Garrison.
Col Asma Diramo Kofa was promoted to Brig and appointed Chief of Provost at the Directorate of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability, while Col Peter Karigih Kariu was promoted to Brig and appointed College Secretary at the National Defence College.
Col Benedetta Margaret Kikech was promoted to Brig and appointed Chief of Research and Development at the Defence National Security Industries, while Lt Col Bernadette Awar Eyanae was promoted to Col and appointed Colonel Plans and Programmes at the International Peace Support Training Centre.
More changes are expected in November 2026 or in April next year.
According to the Tonje Rules, the Kenya Army is next in line to take over after the Kenya Navy, from which Gen Charles Kahariri comes. Gen Kahariri has at least one more year to serve in the military.
The Kenya Defence Forces Act states that a CDF, his deputy and service commanders shall serve a single term of four years or retire upon attaining the mandatory retirement age.
However, the Act also provides that the President may, on the recommendation of the National Defence Council, extend the CDF’s term for a period not exceeding one year in times of war or national emergencies, including political uncertainty.
A General is required to retire at 62, a Lieutenant General at 61, a Major General at 59 and a Brigadier at 57 years.
However, the law provides a disclaimer stating that: “The maximum retirement age shall be amended from time to time through legislation on the recommendation of the Defence Council.”
Under the rules introduced by retired Chief of General Staff Gen Daudi Tonje — known as the Tonje Rules — the position of CDF is rotated among the three services: the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force and Kenya Navy. The current CDF is from the Navy, and the next will be from the Kenya Army.
