ⓒ The Daily Nation
President William Ruto has appointed Major General (Rtd) Jofidha Otieno Makowenga, former commander of the Kenya Air Force, as the new chairperson of the Kenya Space Agency board. This appointment, effective November 30th, 2024, was announced in an official notice issued on November 29th. General Makowenga will serve a three-year term.
The President’s statement cited the Kenya Space Agency Order of 2017 in authorizing the appointment. General Makowenga succeeds General (Rtd) James Aruasa, who held the position for six years. The decision to appoint another military figure reflects the strategic importance of space technology for national security and communication.
General Makowenga’s distinguished military career includes service as the Kenya Air Force Commander before his retirement in 2014. He is a decorated officer, recognized for his contributions to operations against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and is a recipient of the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) and the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) awards.
His experience extends beyond operational roles; he also served as Commandant of the Defense Staff College and National Defence College, and as Director of Logistics at Kenya Air Force Headquarters. The appointment follows other recent high-profile appointments made by President Ruto, including the appointment of former Chief of Defence Forces General (Rtd) Robert Kibochi to lead the Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital board and appointments to various other government boards.
