The President holds the prestigious title of Commander-In-Chief (CIC) of the armed forces, a constitutional role tasked with safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Since independence in 1963, five leaders have assumed this mantle, each leaving a unique imprint on the military. The current CIC, President William Ruto, took office on September 13, 2022, following in the footsteps of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (1964–1978), Daniel arap Moi (1978–2002), Mwai Kibaki (2002–2013), and Uhuru Kenyatta (2013–2022).

As CIC, the President wields ultimate authority over the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), appointing and retiring senior officers, naming military units upon the Defence Council’s recommendation, and chairing the National Security Council. While Mzee Kenyatta and Moi’s tenures were marred by coup attempts, all five presidents have commanded respect befitting their office.