On 30th April 2020, General Robert Kibochi was appointed as Kenya’s new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
President Uhuru Kenyatta who made the announcements noted that General Kibochi will take over from 11th May when Gen Samson Jefwa Mwathethe retirement will commence.
General Kibochi will be in charge when Kenya goes for her general in 2022 August .
The CDF post is supposed to serve for four years but can only be extended for one year at the wish of the president.
For the retiring General Mwathathe, he was supposed to retire in 2019, but President Uhuru Kenyatta extended his term.
The CDF also is a rotational post that must revolve around Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force and the Kenya Navy.
Gen. Mwathethe was from the Kenya Navy while his predecessor Gen. Julius Karangi was from the Kenya Air Force
Here are some interesting facts you need to know about general Kibochi
- He was born 61 years ago as Robert Kariuki Kibochi in Nakuru county on 15 August 1959. He is married to Tabitha with 4 kids – four daughters and one grandson
- General Kibochi has served in the army for 39 years after joining the army in 1981. In 2018, he was appointed to serve as the Vice Chief of Defence Forces
- Before 2018, he was the Commander of the Kenya Army and the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Plans, Doctrine and Training
- In 2000 to 2001, he served in a special troop mission from Kenya when he led a contingent of UN Mission to Sierra Leone.
- Other appointments held include Chief of Staff at the Eastern Africa Standby Force, SO1 Records at Headquarter Kenya Army (HQ KA), SO1 Comms HQ KA, SO1 Mobilization DHQ, SO1 Comms CIS DHQ and SOII Operations and Training at the HQ of the Corps of Signals.
- General Kibochi who is currently studying PhD in conflict management holds Master’s degree in International Studies
- He also holds Masters Degree in Computer Based Information Systems, Bachelors of Technology in Communication and Electronics Engineering.
- He is also a graduate of National Security Studies at the National Defence College (Kenya)
- He won coveted Kenya’s Presidential awards – Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (MGH) and Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) among others.
- He has also studied abroad in several fields – Army Command and Staff Course (UK), Overseas Telecoms Engineering Course (UK), Signal Officers Degree Telecommunications Engineering Course (India), Sub Unit Commanders Course, Platoon Commanders Course, Regimental Signal Officers Course among other training courses.
Full List of President Uhuru Kenyatta Appointees
Top commanders
1. Lt General Robert Kibochi to General;
2. Major General Levi Mghalu to Lt. General; and
3. Brigadier Jimson Mutai to Major General.
Second in command generals
1. Gen. Robert Kibochi to Chief of Defence Forces designate;
2. Lt. Gen. Levi Mghalu to Vice Chief of Defence Forces designate; and
3. Maj. Gen. Jimson Mutai to Commander of the Kenya Navy designate.
Other Promotions
The officers are expected to assume office under their new positions, on May 11, 2020.
