A number of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers are set to benefit from a Sh3.8 Billion training to equip them with modern skills for missions in volatile regions.
A training operation funded by the United Nations is said to have begun on Monday and is being conducted by military personnel from the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force.
Out of the troops battling Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia, the project chose 60 Kenya Army officers who are currently undergoing the sessions at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Embakasi Garrison.
The initiative dubbed 'Triangular Partnership Project' is aimed at training the Kenyan soldiers in operation, maintenance and recovery of heavy engineering equipment during Peace Support Operations.
“Kenya has courageously borne the heavy burden of maintaining peace in the region. Let me say that Japan will never leave these critical tasks only to Kenya. Together with Kenya, Japan will embark on the endeavour to secure peace in the region,” said Japanese Charge d’affaires Mr Mikio Mori.
Speaking during the launch, KDF’s Assistant Chief of Defence Maj Gen Robert Kibochi thanked the UN for choosing Kenya to host the training.
After the exercise, KDF troops will have improved capability on road reconnaissance, route preparations, support to beach landing among other skills that will be crucial during missions in war-torn locations.
The special mission by 18 highly experienced Japanese facilitators is set to run until October this year and will also equip the soldiers with more engineering skills.
