Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed Biography: Wiki, Age, Career, Air Force, Major General, Promotion, Husband, Net Worth

Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed Biography

Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed is a distinguished figure in the Kenyan military, known for her trailblazing career and significant achievements. As of May 2024, she serves as the Major General and Commander of the Kenya Air Force.

Her journey began when she joined the Kenyan Army “by accident” after completing secondary school in 1983. She was initially part of the women-only Kenyan Women Service Corps before transferring to the Air Force when the unit was integrated into the three armed services in 1999.

Throughout her career, Major General Ahmed Gaiti has primarily served in human resources roles and has earned a degree from the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies, as well as a diploma in management from Strathmore University.

She made history by becoming Kenya’s first female brigadier in August 2015 and later achieved another milestone as Kenya’s first female major general in July 2018. Her appointment as the Commander of the Kenya Air Force on May 2, 2024, marks her as the first woman to hold such a rank in the Kenya Defence Forces.

Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed Age

Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed is 58 years old as of 2024.

Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed Early Life and Educational Background

Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed was born in 1965 and hails from Kibra, Nairobi. After completing her secondary education at Aga Khan High School in Nairobi in 1983, she needed to obtain an identification card from her hometown. It was during this time that she encountered a military recruitment campaign at a nearby stadium. Her curiosity led her to make inquiries, which ultimately resulted in her enrollment at the Kenya Military Academy as an officer cadet in 1984.

Her educational journey continued alongside her military career. After being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Kenyan Women Service Corps, she pursued further studies. Major General Ahmed is a graduate of the National Defence College and an alumnus of the Defence Staff College, where she graduated in July 2000. She also holds a Diploma in Management from Strathmore University College, equipping her with the skills necessary for her roles in human resources within the military.

In addition to her military education, Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed also earned a degree from the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies.

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Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed Career

Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed’s career in the Kenyan military is a remarkable journey of firsts and groundbreaking achievements. Her military service began in 1985, when she joined the Kenyan Women Service Corps, a unit that was later integrated into the three armed services in 1999. This integration marked a significant shift in her career as she transitioned to the Kenya Air Force, where she would go on to make history.

In the Kenya Air Force, Fatuma Gaiti primarily served in human resources roles, leveraging her academic background in management to excel in these positions. Her dedication and leadership skills did not go unnoticed, as she climbed the ranks and served as deputy commander of a battalion and later as head of personnel at the Kenyan Air Force headquarters.

The year 2015 was a turning point for Ahmed when she was promoted to the rank of brigadier on August 10th. This promotion was historic, as she became Kenya’s first female brigadier, breaking the glass ceiling for women in the Kenyan military. Along with this new rank, she was also appointed managing director of the Defense Forces Medical Insurance Scheme, adding another layer of responsibility to her already impressive career.

Her trailblazing path continued when, on July 13, 2018, Ahmed was promoted to major general, becoming Kenya’s first female major general.

On May 2, 2024, President William Ruto promoted Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed to the position of Commander of the Kenya Air Force. This appointment was yet another historic moment, as she became the first woman to hold such a rank in the Kenya Defence Forces.

Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed Achievements and Historic Promotions

Here’s a list of Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed’s achievements and historic promotions:

• Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Kenyan Women Service Corps after graduating from the Kenya Military Academy in 1984.
• Transitioned to the Kenya Air Force in 1999 when the Women Service Corps was integrated into the three armed services.
• Served as deputy commander of a battalion and later as head of personnel at the Kenyan Air Force headquarters.
• Promoted to brigadier on August 10, 2015, becoming Kenya’s first female brigadier.
• Appointed as managing director of the Defense Forces Medical Insurance Scheme in 2015.
• Promoted to major general on July 13, 2018, marking her as Kenya’s first female major general.
• Appointed as Commander of the Kenya Air Force on May 2, 2024, the first woman to hold such a rank in the Kenya Defence Forces.

Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed Husband and Children

Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed is married to Major General (Rtd) George Owinoh, who is also a veteran military officer. Together, they have three children.

Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed Net Worth

Major General Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed’s net worth is estimated to be around $800,000 as of 2024.