MAJOR GENERAL BERNARD WALIAULA
CBS ‘ndc’ (CHINA) ‘psc’ (K) ‘acsc’ (USA)
Major General Bernard Waliaula joined the Kenya Defence Forces in 1987 and was commissioned in April 1988 upon completion of Officer Cadet Training. His distinguished career spans nearly four decades of dedicated service marked by exceptional leadership, professionalism, and commitment to duty.
He is an alumnus of the College of Defence Studies, China, where he earned a Masters Degree in the Science of National Security Strategy, and Air University, United States, from which he holds a Master’s Degree in Military Operational Art and Science. In addition to these academic achievements, he has completed various Military Courses across different levels, enriching his operational expertise and strategic leadership capabilities.
Over the years, he has held several critical Command and Staff appointments within the Kenya Air Force and the wider Kenya Defence Forces. He has served as Commander of an Air Defence Squadron and as Base Adjutant. He was also the Commanding Officer of the Base Administration Wing and later Colonel in charge of Supply and Work Services at Kenya Air Force Headquarters.
Additionally, he served as College Secretary at the National Defence College, where he contributed to the strategic education of Senior Officers. He went on to command Laikipia Air Base, Kenya’s premier Fighter Base, where he strengthened operational effectiveness and maintained air superiority.
In July 2022, Major General Waliaula was promoted to his current rank and appointed Director General of Defence National Security Industries, overseeing critical defence industrial operations that support Kenya’s national security objectives. His leadership in this capacity played a pivotal role in advancing innovation, operational efficiency and self-reliance within Kenya’s defence manufacturing sector.
He has been awarded various Decorations and Medals, including the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), among others.
On 27 June 2025, Major General Waliaula was appointed Commander Kenya Air Force. In this role, he now leads the Service in safeguarding Kenya’s Airspace, driving strategic transformation and ensuring Kenya Air Force remains a motivated, professional and technologically responsive force.