Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya visited Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops deployed under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission (AUSSOM) on December 20.
She was accompanied by Lieutenant General David Ketter, Commander of the Kenya Army.
CS Tuya praised the soldiers for their discipline, courage, and unwavering commitment and also acknowledged the resilience of their families, who continue to support their loved ones far from home.
“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 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,” she stated in a statement.
Moreover, she further emphasised that their welfare and well-being remain a top priority for the Ministry of Defence.
Since January 2025, KDF has been deployed under AUSSOM, the successor to ATMIS, with a mandate to stabilise Somalia, degrade Al-Shabaab, and build the capacity of Somali security forces. The troops operate mainly in Sector Two, covering the Lower Juba, Middle Juba, and Gedo regions, with headquarters in Kismayo and a base in Dhobley.
Some of the activities being carried out by KDF under AUSSOM include infrastructure development. KDF engineers had been renovating the Dhobley Airstrip. The project involved the repairing of damaged runway sections, enhancing the Runway End Safety Area (RESA), and clearing vegetation to improve safety and logistical support for both military and humanitarian operations.
KDF personnel were also actively training Jubaland Security Forces (JSF) recruits. In late 2025, a group of JSF recruits graduated after a seven-week programme focused on tactical skills, military discipline, and readiness to take over local security responsibilities.
The mission conducted extensive Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, including medical outreach programmes (MEDICAPs) in Yaaqa Birta, Afmadhow, and Hoosingo. Residents received free consultations and treatment, while troops distributed clean water and donated learning materials to schools and madrasas, strengthening trust within local communities.
KDF’s Special Boat Unit (SBU), based at Kismayo Seaport, ensured maritime safety and conducted emergency response operations. Notable efforts included rescuing crew members from vessels in distress, highlighting the unit’s vital role in regional security.
Troops continued to patrol and protect key population centres, critical infrastructure, and AU/UN personnel, ensuring stability in their operational areas.
Beyond current operations, KDF has completed several major infrastructure and social development projects in Somalia. 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.
