Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya visited Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers in Somalia as part of solidarity visits to show goodwill to those who had stayed away from home during the festive season. The visit took place on December 20. The soldiers are operating in support of AUSSOM.
She was accompanied by the Commander of the Kenya Army, Lt. Gen. David Ketter. On the visit to Kismayo, she addressed the troops deployed in Sector Two. CS Tuya thanked the troops for the discipline, bravery, and dedication to service, even as she appreciated the sacrifices the families had made in Kenya.
“At this time of the year when we are drawing to a close, we pay tribute to their service and pray for them in this season to have strength, safety, and renewed courage. My visit is in solidarity and to express my deepest thankfulness to the men and women who are serving away from home as well as to their loved ones who take their sacrifices with fortitude,” she said.
The Defence CS has assured the soldiers that the welfare of the troops always remains a fundamental concern for the Ministry of Defence, given that the government remains committed to the personnel who work on the missions for peace and stabilisation.
KDF has been conducting missions in Somalia under AUSSOM since January 2025, after the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Their mandate is to stabilize the country, weaken the militant group Al-Shabaab, as well as develop the security capacities of the Somali security forces.
They primarily operate in Sector Two, which covers the Lower Juba, Middle Juba, and Gedo regions, with their Headquarters situated in Kismayo, while another camp is in Dhobley.
Apart from security operations, KDF soldiers engage in a variety of development and humanitarian operations. Engineers from KDF are renovating the Dhobley Airstrip through repair of damaged areas of the runway, development of safety areas, as well as clearance of vegetation.
The forces are also training recruits from the Jubaland Security Forces. Towards the end of 2025, a group of recruits completed a seven weeks training exercise in such areas as tactics, military conduct, and preparedness to assume national security duties.
The relationship between the citizens and KDF has been reinforced further by Civil-Military Cooperation interventions such as health outreach programs conducted at Yaaqa Birta, Afmadhow, and Hoosingo. Free health services, access to clean water, and learning materials have been offered to the affected populace.
At sea, the Special Boat Group of KDF based at Kismayo Seaport continues to promote maritime safety, including the rescue of crew members from distressed vessels.
On land, the military has continued with their activities, including the provision of security for the main population areas, important infrastructure, AU, and UN personnel. As stated by CS Tuya, the trip was an affirmation of Kenya’s commitment to regional peace and stability, humanitarian aid, as well as the wellbeing of their soldiers.
The officer also took the chance to appreciate those who are supporting the mission and wish the troops strength to tackle the coming year.