Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya on December 20 visited Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops deployed in Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission (AUSSOM), reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to regional peace and security.
CS Tuya was accompanied by the Commander of the Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter. During the visit, she commended the troops for their professionalism, discipline, courage, and unwavering dedication while operating far from home.
She also paid tribute to the families of the soldiers, acknowledging their resilience and continued support despite the sacrifices involved.
“As the year draws to a close and during this festive season, we honour their service and wish them strength, protection, and renewed courage. My visit is one of solidarity and deep gratitude to the men and women serving away from home, as well as to their families who bear the weight of sacrifice with resilience and grace,” CS Tuya said in a statement.
She further подчерк emphasized that the welfare and well-being of KDF personnel remains a top priority for the Ministry of Defence, noting that the government continues to invest in measures that enhance troop safety, morale, and operational effectiveness.
Since January 2025, KDF has been deployed under AUSSOM, which succeeded the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
The mission’s mandate includes stabilising Somalia, degrading the Al-Shabaab militant group, and building the capacity of Somali security forces.
Kenyan troops operate mainly in Sector Two, covering the Lower Juba, Middle Juba, and Gedo regions, with headquarters in Kismayo and a forward base in Dhobley.
As part of their mandate, KDF troops have been engaged in key infrastructure development projects.
Engineers have been renovating the Dhobley Airstrip, repairing damaged sections of the runway, improving the Runway End Safety Area (RESA), and clearing vegetation to enhance safety and logistical support for both military and humanitarian operations.
KDF has also played a central role in training local forces. In late 2025, a cohort of Jubaland Security Forces (JSF) recruits graduated after completing a seven-week training programme focused on tactical skills, military discipline, and operational readiness to assume local security responsibilities.
Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities have remained a core pillar of KDF’s engagement.
These have included medical outreach programmes (MEDICAPs) in Yaaqa Birta, Afmadhow, and Hoosingo, where residents received free medical consultations and treatment.
Troops also distributed clean water and donated learning materials to schools and madrasas, helping to strengthen relations with local communities.
At the coast, KDF’s Special Boat Unit (SBU), stationed at Kismayo Seaport, has continued to enhance maritime security and conduct emergency response operations.
The unit has successfully rescued crew members from distressed vessels, underscoring its critical role in safeguarding sea lanes and regional trade.
KDF troops have also maintained regular patrols to secure key population centres, critical infrastructure, and African Union and United Nations personnel, contributing to sustained stability in their areas of operation.
Beyond ongoing operations, KDF has completed several major infrastructure and social development projects across Somalia.
These include the establishment of new Somali National Army camps in Dhobley, securing key supply routes such as Dhobley–Tabda–Belles Qoqani–Afmadhow, construction of classrooms and a sports stadium in Ras Kamboni, and the renovation of health facilities in Dhobley and Hoosingo.
Additionally, KDF has supported local communities through environmental and water initiatives, including de-silting dams, improving rainwater harvesting systems, and using military water tankers to supply fresh water to hundreds of households in towns such as Burahache, Gherille, and Kulmis during periods of drought and acute shortages.
CS Tuya reiterated Kenya’s firm commitment to regional peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and the welfare of its soldiers.
She also expressed appreciation to regional and international partners supporting the mission and wished the troops continued strength, protection, and renewed courage as the year comes to an end.
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