The Kenya Defence Force (KDF) is ranked as the 12th most powerful military in Africa according to the annual Global Fire Power report for 2020.
Globally, KDF was ranked 84 out of the 138 modern militaries ranked according to their capabilities. Achieving this has taken astute and visionary leadership over the years.
Discipline and the will to win at all costs is at the core of any military commander. General (Rtd) Daudi Tonje exhibited both in abundance.
Nicknamed 'the reformer', the military chief was responsible for some of the most profound changes in the Kenyan army.
According KDF records, General Tonje is arguably one of the most inspiring commanders in the history of KDF.
One of his most significant reforms, was the disbandment of Women Service Corps that had prohibited women in the service from marrying.
Prior to his directive, getting pregnant was grounds for dismissal. However, following the disbandment women were allowed to head units as well.
His other achievements include;
- Establishing the Defence Forces Medical Insurance Scheme.
- Ending the of pay parades (queue system) during which soldiers were issued their salaries in cash n a queue. He changed it and had the salaries transferred to the bank accounts of servicemen.
- Proposition to have have all military commanders adhere to a 4-year-term (this informed his retirement in 2000, when he handed over leadership to General Joseph Kibwana).
- Establishment of the Defence Staff College.
During his tenure between November 1996 and 2000, the retired general was one of the late President Daniel arap Moi's most trusted leaders.
He was part of the high-level delegation sent to secure the release of kidnapped Kenyan peacekeeping soldiers in the war-torn Sierra Leone in 2000.
Reports claim that late President Moi tried to persuade him to extend his tenure, but the man grounded on principles maintained his decision to follow on his proposed 4-year tenure.
Following the death of the Kenya's second president (Moi), General Tonje was entrusted by the Moi family to spearhead the State funeral.
His journey in the military began in 1962, when he enlisted to the army and trained as a cadet at Hifford Barracks, Lanet as the first direct-entry African cadet.
In 1963, he was posted at the 11th Kenya Army infantry which was disbanded a year later.
He ascended to the rank of Brigadier Commander in 1984, served as army Commander from December 1993 to June 1994.
His years of diligent service saw him appointed as the Vice Chief of Defense Staff and eventually the Chief of the Defense Staff.
The revered military man has since taken up goat farming at his home in Baringo.
