Lt. GENERAL DAVID KETER ASSUMES COMMAND AS 24TH KENYA ARMY COMMANDER

Lt. General David Kipkemboi Keter has officially taken over as the 24th Commander of the Kenya Army, succeeding Lt. General David Kimaiyo Tarus in a formal Change of Guard ceremony held today Thursday July 3rd, 2025 at the Kenya Army Headquarters in Ngao Gardens, Nairobi.
The event was presided over by the Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, and was attended by senior military officials, service members, and invited guests. The ceremony marked a smooth transition of leadership within one of the country’s most strategic military arms.
Lt. Gen Keter, who previously served as the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics at the Defence Headquarters, brings with him decades of experience and leadership within the military ranks. He pledged to uphold the professionalism, discipline, and commitment that defines the Kenya Army.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty. I will continue building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors,” said Lt. Gen Keter during the ceremony.
Outgoing commander Lt. Gen Tarus has been redeployed to serve as the Vice Chancellor of the National Defence University–Kenya, where he will oversee the training and development of future military leaders.
General Kahariri thanked Lt. Gen Tarus for his service, citing his dedication, strategic foresight, and efforts in enhancing the Army's operational readiness.
The Change of Guard comes at a time when the Kenya Army continues to play a vital role in national security, peacekeeping, and regional stability efforts.