Kenyan Troops Return Home as Somalia Prepares for Security Transition

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In compliance with the Somali Transition Plan (STP), a contingent of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) left Somalia over the weekend, marking the end of their tour of service in the Horn of Africa nation where they have been serving for the last 12 months.

The team has been serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) whose tenure ends in December 2024. The ATMIS team shall be replaced by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

According to KDF, the troops who left have been coordinating peace missions in Kuday Forward Operating Base, which has since been handed over to the Somali National Army (SNA). The SNA is expected to take over security responsibilities in the country within the next few months.

Brigadier (Brig) Jackson Lesaiyo, Commander of Embakasi Garrison, welcomed the soldiers upon their return, KDF said.

In his remarks, Brig Lesaiyo commended the troops for their dedication, professionalism, and discipline during their deployment, emphasizing the positive impact they had on regional security.

“We are proud of you and congratulations on completing your tour of duty. We appreciate you for upholding high levels of professionalism and discipline, enabling you to effectively execute your mandate,” said Brig Lesaiyo.

He acknowledged that their efforts contributed to a safer Somalia and a more secure region. There are close to 3,000 KDF troops in Somalia. The KDF first entered Somalia in 2011 under Operation Linda Nchi.

The troops will undergo routine post-deployment counseling programs to assist in their smooth transition back to civilian life and family reunification.
The reception was also attended by senior officers, officers, and service members, who expressed their gratitude to the returning soldiers.

KDF is critical in peacekeeping missions within the country and has managed to keep Al-Shabaab militants at bay along the border, following a series of operations within the region. KDF is set to draw to the borders after a full exit from Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE