KDF delivers COVID-19 vaccines for troops in Somalia

NAIROBI, Kenya - Major General [Dr] George Ng’ang’a, the Director of Medical Services of the Kenya Defence Forces [KDF] launched the Covid-19 vaccination exercise for troops deployed under the African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] at Sector II Headquarters in Dhobley.

This is part of the ongoing Phase 1 of the National Immunisation Programme in the fight against Covid-19. Kenya has over 3,500 troops serving in Somalia alongside those from the Somali National Army [SNA].

Speaking during the launch of the exercise, Major General Ng’ang’a urged all the personnel to take part in the immunization exercise in order to boost the efforts of fighting the pandemic and at the same time have a healthy force, which is critical to serving the nation.

“Let us all embrace prevention mechanisms rather than opting for the curative ones. The KDF leadership has led by example by participating in the vaccination drive and we have not recorded any side effects therefore I assure our troops that the vaccine is safe,” he said.

Maj Gen Ng’ang’a further urged the troops to continue observing the World Health Organisation protocols on the containment of the spread of Covid-19.

"We must not drop our guard. We must stick to the protocols issued on containing the spread of the virus – ensuring we maintain social distance, wearing masks, washing and sanitizing our hands. That will keep us safe," he noted.

After the launch of the exercise, Sector-II Commander Brigadier Jeff Nyaga kicked off the vaccination drive for KDF troops deployed under AMISOM by rolling up his sleeve and becoming the first person to be inoculated.

The Deputy Sector II Commander Colonel Pascal Kitiro was the second person to be vaccinated, followed by senior officers, officers, and service members based at Dhobley.

Other than the troops, the civilians working for the United Nations based at the Sector II Headquarters were also inoculated. The KDF troops are in charge of both Sectors II and VI of the African Union Mission Forces in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE