After four decades of service, outgoing Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Robert Kibochi was escorted out of the Ministry of Defence headquarters in a ceremonial vehicle pulled by senior military officers on May 5, 2023, as Gen Francis Ogolla took over.
During his three years as CDF, Gen Kibochi focused on transforming the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) into a mission-ready force, emphasizing the importance of soldiers' skills and resources under his philosophy, "Sharpening the Arrowhead." He leaves behind a professional and accountable force with working systems in place.
Gen Kibochi enlisted in the army as a young cadet officer in 1979, rose through the ranks, and served as the Commander of the Kenyan Contingent at the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone.
He took over the leadership mantle at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and as Kenya was shaking off the dust of some of the major terror attacks like the Dusit Complex the year before and the attack on the American military base in Manda Bay, Lamu County.
During his tenure, the country experienced arguably the least number of terror attacks as the military joined forces with other security agencies to address threats and foil attacks.
In keeping with "Sharpening the Arrowhead," the outgoing CDF also oversaw the improvement of health services by initiating the construction of a level six hospital in Kabete Barracks and regional level four hospitals in Lanet Barracks, Kahawa Garrison, Isiolo and Eldoret barracks.
The Defence Forces Memorial Hospital was also upgraded to level five status, and a wellness centre was established at Lang'ata barracks to cater to the soldiers' mental well-being.
Additionally, he oversaw the launch of a Sh7.5 billion public-private housing project targeting to construct 2,340 units in Roysambu (Nairobi) in the first phase and thereafter across the country on KDF land to address the housing shortage for officers.
It is also during his tenure that Manda base was elevated into a full military base, the National Defence University was established and awarded a charter, and a shipbuilding and repair company - Kenya Shipyards Limited - was established.
Known for being firm and keeping to deadlines, Gen Kibochi oversaw the military's involvement in major national projects including the rehabilitation of the Nairobi-Nanyuki and Nairobi-Kisumu meter gauge railways, construction of Uhuru Gardens National Museum and Monument, and the revival of the Kenya Meet Commission.
Asked whether KDF was overstepping its mandate in taking up civilian duties, he said the constitution allows them to assist and cooperate with other authorities.
Gen Kibochi may land a civilian position following his retirement, but in the meantime, he will likely spend time at his ranch in Nakuru.