Dr Veronica Moraa Pickering has made history in the United Kingdom army after becoming the first Kenyan and black woman to be appointed Royal Air Force (RAF) Honorary Air Commodore.

The UK Air Commodore is a one-star rank in the Force and is one air officer rank senior to a group captain and immediate subordinate to the air vice-marshal.

In a post on his Twitter handle, Manoah Esipisu, the Kenya High Commissioner to the UK, congratulated Pickering on the historic appointment and potential future promotions.

“You definitely are making history. You will notch another first when you take up royal appointment as High Sheriff in 2023. Pongezi sana,” Esipisu posted.


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Dr Veronica Pickering Moraa. PHOTO/COURTESY

Dr Pickering has termed her noteworthy appointment an honour and expressed her pride in wearing the RAF uniform, adding that the ability to represent the people is a privilege.

The Kenyan who moved to the UK thanked her Group Captain and the Deputy Support Force Commander Jo Lincoln for their role in her career in the United Kingdom Royal Air Force.

Information posted on the website of the Nottinghamshire County Council says Pickering Moraa was born in Kenya then she relocated to England with her parents in the 1960s.

“Veronica has for than 25 years worked as a Social Worker, Children’s Guardian and, as a International Child Protection Consultant for the UN and many NGO’s across Africa,” it says.

The site also says she supports various charities and NGOs in Nottinghamshire and has been a strong supporter of charities in the arts and wildlife conservation sectors.

Veronica Pickering Moraa. PHOTO/COURTESY

She is married to Roy Pickering, an artist who was born and lives in Nottinghamshire and describes herself as a mentor, personal coach, art lover, traveler and a human rights and wildlife advocate.