CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCES VISITS HEADQUATERS KENYA AIR FORCE 

On 16th July 2025, the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, paid visit to Headquarters Kenya Air Force during review of Kenya Air Force Purchase and Maintenance Plan for the financial year 2025/2026.

He was received by Commander KAF Major General Bernard Waliaula, who reiterated the Air Force’s commitment to national security and expressed full support for the CDF’s strategic vision for enhancing the effectiveness of the Kenya Defence Forces.

The Kenya Air Force Purchase Plan plays a central role in sustaining the operational tempo, technological relevance, and strategic agility of the Force. It provides a structured framework for acquiring mission-critical assets, upgrading existing capabilities, and ensuring the continuous availability of air platforms and support systems. The plan also ensures that procurement is aligned with national defence priorities, financial accountability, and long-term modernization goals.

In his remarks, General Kahariri expressed his profound confidence in the Kenya Air Force’s capacity to implement the proposed plans. He noted that the initiatives presented were robust and forward-looking, aimed at elevating the service to new heights of operational excellence and strategic capability.

As part of the visit, the CDF toured several operational hangars within the KAF aerodrome, where he inspected a variety of air assets including rotary-wing and fixed-wing platforms. He was briefed on the status of aircraft maintenance schedules, spare parts logistics, and ongoing upgrades on key platforms such as tactical transport aircraft and combat helicopters. The inspection also covered support infrastructure such as avionics bays, ground support equipment, and safety systems.

General Kahariri commended the engineering and maintenance teams for their professionalism, discipline, and commitment to keeping the fleet airworthy and mission-ready. He emphasized the importance of continuous investment in aircraft maintenance and personnel training to sustain operational efficiency.

Also in attendance were Senior military Officers, including the Director of Military Intelligence(DMI) Major General Mohammed Burje, Director Personnel and Logistics, Major General Edward Rugendo, Deputy Commander Kenya Air Force, Samwel Kipkorir, Kenya Air Formation Commanders, alongside Principal Staff Officers, and Senior Officers from both Defence Headquarters KAF Headquarters.