The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) troops who commenced their rigorous training in August 2022 have successfully completed their pre-deployment training in readiness for their deployment of the Second Africa Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS II) to combat the Islamist militant groups (Al-Shabaab, ISIS-Somalia).
The KDF troops are progressively focused on achieving their mandate of finally handing over the security functions to Somalia National Army (SNA) as endorsed in United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 2628 of 1st April 2022, by end of December 2024.
Maj Gen Peter Muteti who had visited the troops was briefed on the training achievements and troop’s preparedness to the mission ahead. He also visited 3KR at Simulated Forward Operations Base (FOB) where he took time to encourage the troops on the awaiting mission in Somalia. He lauded the troops for their preparedness and wished them success as they represent Kenya in Somalia.
Maj Gen Muteti told the troops that even as they train, they must have faith and believe in themselves and thus they will prevail against the enemy. He reminded the troops of the mission objectives and believe that will be accomplished in an effort to protect the interest that effectively contributes to regional stability.
The deputy Brigade Commander 2nd Brigade Col Boniface Chomba also in his part expressed satisfaction that the training was a success, since it focused on mission readiness noting that the soldiers were adequately trained and prepared to counter any form of adversaries that comes their way.
The training that has been taking place at Larisoro, Samburu County has empowered the troops with much needed skills and knowledge aimed at achieving peace and stabilizing the region. The training also provides an appreciation of current stabilization, and humanitarian efforts, in addition to garnering an awareness on the state of operations and security.
This comes at a time when KDF is highly involved in various peace keeping missions in East Africa. The 1st batch of KDF troops arrived in the rebel-hit eastern Congo some days ago, under the banner of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) entrusted with the responsibility of demonstrating the African Union’s clarion call.
Also present during the event were 6th brigade Commander, Brigadier Dixson Chivatsi, Chief of Training, Headquarters Kenya Army, Brigadier Benedict Mzee other Senior Officers, Officers and Service Members.
