Kenyan-born Officer Joan Ochuodho Appointed to Lead Key UK Airbase

RAF Wittering has appointed Wing Commander Joan Ochuodho as its new Station Commander, placing a Kenyan-born officer in charge of one of the United Kingdom’s key airbases.

Wing Commander Ochuodho was raised in Ugenya, Siaya County, in Kenya, in a large family following her father’s retirement. After his death, her siblings helped support her education. She has said that the values of faith, discipline and respect, strongly emphasised by her parents, shaped her approach to leadership. 

She attended Limuru Girls’ High School, where she took part in guiding and ceremonial duties that reflected an early interest in structured service. At 19, she moved to the United Kingdom to study economics and environmental studies. While at university, she saw a recruitment advertisement and began considering a career in the armed forces. 

Although initially interested in joining the Navy, she chose the Royal Air Force despite the requirement to pass a swimming test. She undertook additional training to meet the standard, later noting that learning to swim as an adult was a significant challenge.

Her RAF career has included a deployment to Iraq in 2003. She informed her family about the mission only after she returned, explaining that she did not want to cause them concern. Over the years, she has developed a leadership style focused on adaptability and authenticity, with an emphasis on operational performance and staff welfare. 

She has said that the role of Station Commander is centred on supporting people while maintaining high standards of service. Wing Commander Ochuodho retains close ties to her Kenyan heritage. She enjoys traditional dishes such as nyama choma and supports Arsenal Football Club. She and her husband have two sons, and she has spoken about the importance of family life in providing balance and perspective.

She succeeds Wing Commander Nikki Duncan in the role, marking another female appointment to the senior post at RAF Wittering. Wing Commander Ochuodho has said she hopes her journey will encourage young women, including those in Kenya, to pursue ambitious careers and believe in their potential.