New Army barracks in Garissa to help KDF combat Al-Shabaab threat from Somalia

GARISSA, Kenya - The launch of Modika Army Brigade will help Kenya unleash against Al-Shabaab militants operating from neighboring Somalia.

Since independence, no army barracks have ever been established at the Northern Frontier Districts (NFD), a region that has been earmarked as a hotbed of terror.

Army Commander Lt Gen Walter Raria on Monday said the 6th Brigade will help the KDF team to give quick backups in case of emergency.

The barracks, he added: "Will help KDF in increasing security surveillance in the region and other surrounding areas like the border point with Somalia."

Before getting the new home, the 6th Brigade was at one point under Lt Gen Raria, who is likely to be Kenya's next Chief of Defense Forces.

Brigadier Paul Njema will take charge of Modika barracks which was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta when he visited Garissa on Friday.

The barracks, Uhuru said, "will host three army fighting units and three support sub-units and is part of a program to modernize and improve the capability of the KDF".

Kenyatta said the government will continue dedicating resources to support the Kenya Defence Forces to maintain its status as a world-class military that is ready to defend Kenya.

KDF troops stationed in Somalia will also use the barracks as temporary Forward Operating Base (FOB) during unforeseen emergencies, Raria added.

Garissa, Wajir and Mandera regions have recorded highest cases of terror-related incidents, with some leading to loss of lives.

Al-Shabaab militants have often used the region as the gateway to Kenya when launching deadly attacks on Kenyan soil.

A fortnight ago, suspected military ambushed a Mandera-bound bus near the Kutulo area in Wajir, killing at least 11 non-locals who were onboard.

But the new barracks according to Raria will "give emergency services to our people especially when they are under major threat or attacks".

Previously, it could take up to a day before cases or terror attacks are responded to by the security forces due to poor communications and inaccessibly.

Besides upgrading security along with the border point, the KDF troops from the 6th Brigade will be expected to construct major roads within the vicinity for accessibility.

Fighter jets from Kenya Air Force will also be using the barracks for important missions such as refueling and waging important attacks in defense of the country.

The move is seen as a strategic plan by KDF to withdraw from Somalia in the future and strengthen security along with the porous border point.

GAROWE ONLINE