NAIROBI, Kenya — The Chief of the Defence Forces, Charles Kahariri, has been awarded the prestigious Legion of Honour in recognition of his leadership and contribution to strengthening defence cooperation between Kenya and France.
The decoration was conferred on March 13, 2026, during a ceremony held aboard the French amphibious assault ship French amphibious assault ship Dixmude.
The Legion of Honour, officially known as the Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur, is France’s highest order of merit.
Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, it recognises outstanding military or civilian service and is awarded by decree of the President of the French Republic.
According to officials, the honour recognises Gen Kahariri’s exemplary leadership and his role in promoting regional security and defence collaboration between the Kenya Defence Forces and the French Armed Forces.
The Chief of the Defence Forces, General (Gen) Charles Kahariri, was recently conferred with the prestigious Legion of Honour during a ceremony held on board the French amphibious assault ship DIXMUDE. Also honoured was Major General (Maj Gen) Joyce Sitienei, the Deputy
During the same ceremony, Joyce Sitienei, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the National Defence University-Kenya’s Centre for Strategic and Security Studies, was awarded the National Defence Medal at the Gold Level.
The Médaille de la Défense nationale, established in 1982, recognises outstanding commitment and professional achievement within the armed forces. The medal has three levels, bronze, silver and gold, with the gold level marking the highest distinction.
Maj Gen Sitienei received the award for her exceptional contributions to international peace support training, defence partnerships and security cooperation, particularly initiatives involving France and allied forces.
The honours underscore the longstanding defence partnership between Kenya and France, which focuses on areas such as maritime security, joint military training and collaborative responses to regional security threats.
Speaking during the ceremony, Arnaud Suquet praised the leadership of the Kenya Defence Forces for its dedication to strengthening bilateral military cooperation and advancing regional peace and stability.
“The Kenya Defence Forces leadership has demonstrated unwavering commitment to regional security and to fostering enduring military partnerships,” the ambassador said.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Sebastian Groth, the Commander of the Kenya Navy Paul Otieno, senior officers from Kenya and France, as well as members of the Military Wives Association of Kenya led by chairlady Grace Kahariri.
Officials said the awards reflect the strong diplomatic and military ties between Kenya and France, and reaffirm both countries’ shared commitment to peace, stability and security across the region.
