Two masters degrees and a Ph.D.; see full profile of the incoming Chief of Defence forces
President Uhuru Kenyatta on April 30 promoted Lieutenant General Robert Kariuki Kibochi to replace Gen Samson Mwathethe who awaits to retire as the Chief of Defence Forces.
In a statement to the media, the Head of State thanked General Mwathethe for his five years of service as the army boss.
"Since your appointment as the Chief of Defence Forces five years ago (May 2015), we have seen significant expansion in our military and enviable improvement in the defence capability of our forces;thus giving Kenyans confidence that their borders are well protected from any external aggression," said Mr.Kenyatta
Uhuru lauded Mr.Mwathethe for steering the Blue Economy Implementation Standing Committee.
The President also made promotions as follows; Major General Levi Mghalu to Lt. General and Maj. Gen. Jimson Mutai to Commander of the Kenya Navy designate.
The officers will assume their new and higher offices on May 11, 2020.
Who is Lieutenant General Robert Kariuki Kibochi
According to the Ministry of Defence, Lt. Genaral Robert Kariuki Kibochi was the Vice Chief of Vice Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces until the promotion.
Lt. Gen Lt Gen R K Kibochi was enlisted into the Kenya Defence Forces on 18 May 1979 and underwent Officer Cadets Training until 30 March 1980 and commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant and posted to Signals Battalion.
At the Department of Defence, he has held several positions in operations, plans, doctrines and training at the Defence Headquarters. He has been Chief of Strategic Plans and Policy, Director International Peace Support Training Centre, Col Operations Requirements (CIS) and Commander Corps of Signals.
Other appointments held include Chief of Staff at the Eastern Africa Standby Force, SO1 Records at Headquarter Kenya Army (HQ KA), SO1 Comms HQ KA, SO1 Mobilization DHQ, SO1 Comms CIS DHQ and SOII Operations and Training at the HQ of the Corps of Signals.
Education Background
Let Gen Kibochi holds two Masters Degrees (International Studies and Computer-Based Information Systems) a Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Electronics Engineering. Also, he is pursuing a Doctorate Degree in peace and conflict management. 
Mr. Kibochi also has several certifications obtained overseas and locally. Between 2000-2001, he served with the United Nations as Commander of Kenyan Contingent in the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL).
He has been decorated as Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (MGH) and Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS).
According to the bio-data provided by the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Kibochi was born Nakuru on 15 August 1959. He is married to one wife and has four daughters.
