President William Ruto has appointed retired Major General Jofidha Otieno Makowenga as the new Chairperson of the Kenya Space Agency Board. The appointment, announced in a notice on Friday, November 29th, will see Maj-Gen (Rtd) Otieno lead the board for a three-year term that started November 28th.
According to the presidential notice, William Ruto, in exercising powers conferred to him as President and Commander-in-Chief, named the retired Kenya Air Force Commander to chair the space agency’s board of directors. Maj-Gen (Rtd) Otieno takes over from General (Rtd) James Aruasa, who was the inaugural chairperson.
The decision to appoint another top military officer is considered strategic, with space being an important area for both national security and communications infrastructure. Before retirement in 2014, the newly-appointed chair served as Air Force Commander, playing a key role in operations against Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia-
Maj-Gen (Rtd) Otieno’s decorated military career saw him garner high commendations, including Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) and Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW). As an engineer, he rose to become Kenya Air Force Director of Logistics and Commandant of the Defense Staff College and National Defence College prior to his Commander appointment.
The President’s selection comes only a week after naming another former top military leader, ex-Chief of Defence Forces General (Rtd) Robert Kibochi, to chair the board of the Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital.
The retired Major General was chosen to lead the Space Agency board because of his military experience. This is important because space technologies are crucial for national security and communication. With his background in the Air Force including work in Somalia Maj-Gen (Rtd) Otieno brings important experience to the role.
His past positions at the Defence Staff College and National Defense College also give him valuable insight into training and academic matters related to the agency’s mission.
By Kenyans