Fatuma Ahmed Becomes First Woman Major-General in Kenya

Fatuma Ahmed was on Friday sworn-in by President Uhuru Kenyatta as Kenya’s first woman in the military rank of Major General.

Ahmed has been promoted to Assistant Chief of the Defense Forces for Personnel and Logistics.

President Uhuru Kenyatta recognized her during the ceremony at State House in Nairobi and said her appointment was an honor for the country.

Ahmed was among a host of new military chiefs who were sworn in by President Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi

Ahmed was also the first woman in Kenya’s military to attain the rank of Brigadier in August 2015.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, President Kenyatta challenged Major General Ahmed to serve as an example for other women in the force to emulate.

“It is my pride and joy today to have the first Kenyan woman as a challenged Major General in Kenya,” the Head of State said during a swearing-in ceremony at State House where three other servicemen were installed as military chiefs.

“I’m looking to you and counting on you to be a positive role model to other women of this republic and to show and prove to them that there’re no limits for the Kenyan women,” he urged.

The President applauded the servicemen for their commitment to duty adding that they have been a unifying factor in the nation.

“You’ve been a true and clear picture of what Kenya is. You bring the Kenyan nation together. You are men and women from different parts of this country but you serve regardless of your tribe, religion, and color. You’re the vanguard of the defense of this country,” said President Kenyatta.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Defence Cabinet Secretary Amb Raychelle Omamo, Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe, and the retiring commanders.