Robert Kariuki Kibochi

General Robert Kariuki Kibochi is a Kenyan military officer who served from May 2020 to May 2023 as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). He was the first non-infantry officer from the Kenya Army to be appointed as CDF as a member of the Kenya Army Corps of Signals, the military personnel responsible for conveying of information.

Background and Education

He was born in the Rift Valley of Gilgil, Nakuru, Nakuru County, in 1959. He attended Koelel High School, in Gilgil and Nyeri High School, in Nyeri though he did not finish his A-Level Education as he opted for military recruitment and was enlisted.

In 1979, he joined the Kenya Army and was sent to the Armed Forces Training College (AFTC) in Nakuru, Kenya. After graduation, he was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant and posted to Signals Battalion.

Career & Education

Kibochi has achieved a BA (Hons) Degree in Technology and Communications. His other professional training includes National Security Studies at the National Defence College (Kenya), Army Command and Staff Course (UK), Overseas Telecoms Engineering Course (UK), Signal Officers Degree Telecommunications Engineering Course (India), Sub Unit Commanders Course, Platoon Commanders Course, Regimental Signal Officers Course among other training courses.

Other considerations

He served with the United Nations as Commander of Kenyan Contingent in the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) from 2000 – 2001; while his decorations include Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (MGH) and Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) among others.

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