Kenya’s Defence CS Visits KDF Troops In Somalia
On December 20, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya paid a visit to Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel serving as part of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission (AUSSOM).
She was accompanied by Lieutenant General David Ketter, the Kenya Army Commander.
CS Tuya applauded the soldiers’ discipline, fortitude, and unshakable dedication, as well as their families’ resilience in supporting their loved ones far away.
“As the year draws to a close, and during this festive season, we honour their service and wish them strength, protection, and renewed courage,” she stated in a statement.
Accompanied by the Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter, I undertook a visit to our Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM) in Kismayo, Somalia.
— Soipan Tuya E.G.H (@SoipanTuya) December 20, 2025
This mission is key, not only in advancing… pic.twitter.com/3jOK6r83oW
“My visit is in solidarity and to express deep gratitude to the men and women serving far from home and to their families who bear the weight of sacrifice with resilience and grace.”
Furthermore, she stated that the Ministry of Defence continues to prioritise their welfare and well-being.
Since January 2025, the KDF has been deployed under AUSSOM, the successor to ATMIS, with the mission of stabilising Somalia, destroying Al-Shabaab, and strengthening Somali security forces.
The troops primarily operate in Sector Two, which encompasses the Lower Juba, Middle Juba, and Gedo regions, with headquarters in Kismayo and a base in Dhobley.
KDF’s operations under AUSSOM include infrastructure development. KDF engineers had been upgrading the Dhobley Airstrip.
The project entailed rebuilding damaged runway portions, improving the Runway End Safety Area (RESA), and clearing vegetation to improve safety and logistical support for military and humanitarian missions.
In addition, KDF personnel were actively training recruits for the Jubaland Security Forces.
In late 2025, a group of JSF recruits graduated from a seven-week program that concentrated on tactical skills, military discipline, and preparation to assume local security tasks.
Beyond current operations, KDF has completed several major infrastructure and social development projects in Somalia.
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These included establishing new Somali National Army camps at Dhobley, securing main supply routes such as Dhobley–Tabda–Belles Qoqani–Afmadhow, building classrooms and a sports stadium at Ras Kamboni, and renovating health centres in Dhobley and Hoosingo.
KDF had de-silted local dams, improved rainwater harvesting, and used military tankers to supply fresh water to hundreds of households in towns such as Burahache, Gherille, and Kulmis, particularly during periods of drought or acute shortage.
CS Tuya’s reiteration of Kenya’s commitment to regional peacekeeping, humanitarian support, and soldier welfare.
She extended gratitude to regional and international partners assisting the mission and wished the troops strength, protection, and renewed courage as the year ends.
Kenya’s Defence CS Visits KDF Troops In Somalia
