The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) named Brigadier Paul Njuguna as their new spokesman on Wednesday, succeeding Brigadier Ziporah Kalondu Kioko. Brig Njuguna, who previously served as KDF spokesman from 2018 to 2020, was transferred from the National Defence University-Kenya’s (NDU-K) Directorate of Corporate Communications. Brig Kioko has held the spokesman position since 2020 and was one of the founde
On Wednesday, July 24, the Defence Council, chaired by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Acting Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Defence Musalia Mudavadi, made several changes.
Maj Gen Stephen James Mutuku was appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College. In the Kenya Army, Col Edward Nyamao was promoted to Brigadier and named Chief of Compensation and Welfare (DHQ), while Col Collins Otieno was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Personnel (HQ KA).
In the Navy, Brig John Sankale Kiswaa was appointed Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy, and Brig Peter Shikukuu Chelimo was appointed Director of the Centre for Security and Strategic Studies at the National Defence University Kenya.
At the Kenya Army, Col Paul Koech was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief of Training. Clement Nyakundi was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Deputy Managing Director of the Kenya Meat Commission. Col Victor Mburu was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Commander of the Combat Engineers Brigade.
Other colonels promoted to Brigadier include:
– Eric Kitusya, appointed Chief of Logistics (HQ KA)
– Salaash Kantai, appointed Commander Military Intelligence Corps
– Edward Banda, appointed Brigade Commander of the 8 Brigade
– Jackson Lemakara, appointed Commander Embakasi Garrison
– Dr. Charles Ochieng, appointed Chief of Naval Medical Services
– Yusuf Adan, appointed Chief of Communication Information System (DHQ)
Lt Col Jane Muringi was promoted to Colonel and appointed Service Chaplain.
In the Kenya Airforce, Col Bernard Oluoch was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Base Commander at Moi Air Base, while Col Eutychus Nyawira was promoted and appointed Head of Training Support and Research at NDC.
Col Nehemiah Kemei was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Chief Executive Officer of Defence SACCO, and Lt Col Mary Kamau was promoted to Colonel and appointed Colonel of Finance and Audit – Defence National Security Industries.
In the Navy, Col Lazarus Wafula was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Base Commander of the Kenya Navy Base in Manda, while Col Abraham Biwott was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Base Commander of the Kenya Navy Base in Mtongwe.
Col Mohamed Shemote was promoted to Brigadier and appointed Base Commander of the Kenya Navy Fleet, and Lt Col Marcella Kanani Aritho was promoted to Colonel and appointed Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy Fleet.
The Defence Council periodically determines changes and promotions in the military. Present at the meeting were Chief of Defense Forces Gen Charles Kahariri, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen John Omenda, Army Commander Lt Gen David Tarus, Kenya Airforce Commander Maj Gen Fatuma Ahmed, and Navy Commander Maj Gen Paul Otieno.
rs of the Strategic Communication department at KDF.
In the changes announced by the Defence Council, Brig Njuguna and Brig Kioko swapped positions. At NDU-K, the Directorate of Corporate Communication is under the Vice-Chancellor’s office, aiming to highlight the university’s leadership in defense education, research, and national security through transparent, stakeholder-centric communication, fostering collaboration, and advocating the university’s societal contributions.
Brig Kioko has been with the KDF Strategic Communication department since 2008, where she played a key role in several initiatives, including Operation Okoa Maisha during the Mt Elgon military operation, the transition to the 2010 Constitution, and the Environmental Soldier Program.
She and her team also took the first press to Kismayu for the beach landing on September 28, 2012, and maintained the narrative throughout Operation Linda Nchi, AMISOM, and ATMIS. She became the first woman military spokesperson for KDF and established the Strategic Communications Branch, advancing innovative ways for the military to be accountable to the public through a weekly bulletin.
Brig Njuguna returns to familiar territory, having served in the same department for two years. These changes come as KDF faces challenges in staying relevant in the fast-evolving communication sector, particularly with the rise of social media. KDF and other government agencies are under pressure to adopt new communication trends.
