The Commander of the Kenya Air Force (KAF), Major General Bernard Waliaula, has concluded a high-level end-of-year inspection tour of two of the Service’s most strategic installations, reinforcing the military’s focus on operational readiness, infrastructure development, and air power capability.
The visits, conducted on 23 December 2025 at Embakasi Air Base (EAB) and 24 December 2025 at Moi Air Base (MAB), formed part of Major General Waliaula’s command oversight responsibilities. The tour aimed at assessing ongoing projects, evaluating operational preparedness, and engaging officers and service members as the year draws to a close.
Strategic Inspection at Embakasi Air Base
At Embakasi Air Base, Major General Waliaula was received by the Base Commander, Brigadier Stephen Kapkory, alongside senior officers and personnel. The visit underscored the importance of Embakasi Air Base as a critical hub in Kenya Air Force operations, given its strategic location and role in national defense.
A key highlight of the inspection was the ongoing construction of a new aircraft hangar, a major infrastructure project expected to significantly enhance aircraft maintenance capacity. According to KAF officials, the new hangar will improve efficiency in aircraft servicing, reduce turnaround time, and strengthen overall operational effectiveness.
The Commander closely examined the progress of the construction works, receiving briefings from base leadership on timelines, scope, and expected impact. He emphasized that modern infrastructure is essential for sustaining air operations and ensuring that the Kenya Air Force remains capable of responding swiftly to emerging security challenges.
Comprehensive Review at Moi Air Base
The following day, Major General Waliaula proceeded to Moi Air Base, where he was welcomed by the Base Commander, Brigadier Herbert Wafula. The inspection at MAB was broader in scope, covering several ongoing development projects designed to improve both operational capacity and the welfare of service personnel.
Among the projects inspected were the renovation of the swimming pool, construction of new ladies’ accommodation, and the Kenya Air Force Training Wing construction site. The Commander also reviewed other infrastructure developments underway at the base, all aimed at enhancing training, living conditions, and mission readiness.
The Training Wing project, in particular, is expected to play a crucial role in shaping future air force personnel by providing modern training facilities aligned with evolving operational demands.
Emphasis on Infrastructure and Air Power
While addressing officers and service members at both bases, Major General Waliaula commended the leadership for the steady progress recorded across the projects. He stressed that infrastructure development is not merely about buildings, but a strategic investment in the Kenya Air Force’s long-term air power capability.
“During this visit, I have observed the impact of your operations. Our Bases are strategic pillars of KAF air power, whose location, posture and capability influence how we plan, deploy and respond to both national and regional demands,” he stated.
His remarks highlighted the interconnected role of infrastructure, personnel, and operational readiness in maintaining a credible and effective air force.
Boost to Morale and Readiness
Beyond inspections, the end-of-year visits served as a morale booster for officers and service members, affirming the Commander’s commitment to engaging with personnel on the ground. Such visits also provide an opportunity for leadership to identify challenges, recognize achievements, and align base-level activities with the broader strategic objectives of the Kenya Air Force.
As Kenya continues to navigate complex security dynamics at both national and regional levels, the emphasis on infrastructure modernization and readiness reflects KAF’s determination to remain agile, capable, and mission-ready.
Major General Waliaula’s year-end tour sends a clear message: the Kenya Air Force is investing in its people, facilities, and capabilities to safeguard the nation’s airspace and respond effectively to current and future demands.
