Kenya’s president Uhuru Kenyatta has reiterated that the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) will not leave Somalia until peace, stability and sustainable security in the neighboring country has been achieved. President Kenyatta announced the maintenance of military presence in Somalia during the 7th annual KDF Day at Kenyatta Barracks in Gilgil, Nakuru county.
Kenya, which has maintained an active mission in Somalia since 2011 under AMISOM in an incursion that was geared at eliminating the threat posed to her citizenry by the al Qaeda affiliated Al Shabaab. President Kenyatta who is the commander in chief of the armed forces said that he is proud of the gallant troops, their resilience, and successes that have ensured that attacks and threat within the borders have dropped considerably in the past years.
KDF has played a very active role in the fight against al Shabaab especially in southern Somalia, dismantling terror networks, infrastructure, and cells that used to mount attacks in Kenyan coast and northern frontier counties.
The extended mission is said to give neighboring Somalia the necessary technical and military support to establish the much-needed infrastructure to maintain peace and build capacity to fight any domestic and or foreign threat. Kenya has maintained a very active role in the peace and security of countries in the larger East African region and as such the pledge by the president is in line with the country’s foreign policy.
