Lt. Col. Silvia Jemutai Makes History as a Kenyan-Born U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel
On 14 November 2025, Major Silvia Jemutai was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army during a ceremony held at Fort Lee, Virginia.
A proud daughter of Kopsiya, Poror, Eldama Ravine (Baringo County), Lt. Col. Jemutai celebrated this milestone surrounded by family and friends who traveled from across the U.S. and Kenya.
She dedicated the achievement to her late mother, Jacqueline Alice Kirui, honoring her as “a trailblazer… a woman of strength, vision and courage” whose sacrifices shaped her path and made this moment possible.
Lt. Col. Jemutai also thanked her family, mentors, peers, and soldiers for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
With humility and purpose, she reaffirmed her commitment to uphold Army Values, lead with integrity, and mentor the next generation of military leaders.
