Kenya's President, WILLIAM RUTO has appointed the first female commander of the air force, Major General FATUMA GAITI AHMED.

She becomes the first woman in Kenya's history to head one of the military services.

She was appointed alongside other leaders including a new head of the armed forces, following the death of the military chief and others in a helicopter crash last month.

Major General AHMED was the first woman to rise to the rank of brigadier and major general.

Her rise has been seen as an achievement in promoting gender equality in the armed forces.