NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan-born Wing Commander Joan Ochuodho has been appointed Station Commander of Royal Air Force (RAF) Wittering in Cambridgeshire, becoming one of the few Africans to hold a senior leadership position within the United Kingdom’s air force.
The RAF confirmed that Wing Commander Ochuodho has taken over command from Wing Commander Nikki Duncan. She will now lead military personnel, civilian staff, and contractors at one of the RAF’s key operational bases.
Her appointment carries symbolic weight for the Kenyan diaspora and for women pursuing leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated institutions.
Ochuodho joined the Royal Air Force in 2003 and has built a career spanning more than two decades.
In her new role, she will oversee base operations, personnel welfare, training, infrastructure, logistics, and security, while ensuring the station continues to meet its defence obligations.
She succeeds Wing Commander Duncan, whose tenure was marked by major infrastructure upgrades and strong engagement with surrounding communities.
Announcing the transition, the RAF Families Federation praised both officers. “Exciting news! Wing Commander Joan Ochuodho is the new Station Commander at RAF Wittering, succeeding Wing Commander Nikki Duncan.
Huge thanks to Wing Commander Duncan for her amazing leadership and community support,” the federation said in a post on X.
Reflecting on her departure, Duncan described her time at the station as deeply fulfilling.
“My time at RAF Wittering has been nothing short of amazing. It has always been about the people, our talented, committed personnel and the incredible support we receive from the communities of Wittering, Stamford, Peterborough, Rutland and Leicester,” she said.
“Leading this Station has been one of the greatest honours of my career. RAF Wittering will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Wing Commander Ochuodho described her appointment as a privilege and paid tribute to her predecessor.
“I have the honour and privilege of leading Royal Air Force Wittering over the next couple of years, taking over from an exceptional officer,” she said. “I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Proud to serve.”
She added that she looks forward to working closely with the local community and thanked Duncan for a thorough handover and dedicated leadership.
Born in Kenya in 1979, Ochuodho grew up as the eleventh child in a family of 12. According to the Royal British Legion, her father worked as a civil engineer while her mother ran small businesses to support the household. Her upbringing, the Legion notes, instilled discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic.
She later moved to the United Kingdom and joined the RAF as a young adult. Her service has included deployments to conflict zones, humanitarian missions, and a range of operational and administrative roles.
She has also played a mentoring role, supporting junior officers and contributing to leadership development within the force.
RAF Wittering, located in Cambridgeshire, plays a critical role in providing logistics, engineering, and personnel support for UK military operations. As Station Commander, Ochuodho holds overall responsibility for the station’s effectiveness and readiness.
Beyond her core duties, she serves as an adviser to the RAF Football Association’s Board of Trustees and represents the association on the National Football Association Council. She is married and has two sons.
Her rise to one of the RAF’s senior command positions resonates beyond the military. For many Kenyans at home and abroad, her appointment stands as a marker of global achievement and representation.
For young women, particularly those from minority backgrounds, it offers a powerful example of leadership earned through service, consistency and resilience.
