Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops deployed in Somalia have escorted a senior United Nations delegation to assess the worsening humanitarian situation facing displaced families in the border town of Dhobley.

The visit took place on January 12, 2026, amid growing concern over the impact of failed rains and rising food insecurity in the region.

In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, January 2026, KDF said its troops, serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), were involved in the operation as part of their broader mandate to support security and humanitarian access in the area.

“On 12 January 2026- Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), based in Sector Two, Dhobley, provided a joint security escort with the Jubaland Intelligence and Security Agency (JISA) to a high-level United Nations delegation on a humanitarian assessment mission,” the statement reads.

The military said the delegation brought together senior officials from the United Nations and Somali government agencies responsible for disaster response and food security, reflecting the urgency of the situation on the ground.

“The delegation was headed by the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, George Conway, and included the World Food Programme Country Director, El-Khidir Daloum, as well as the Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency, Mahamoud Moallim Abdulla,” the statement reads.

According to KDF, the team travelled to the Midnimo Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, located on the outskirts of the Dhobley district, where thousands of families are struggling to cope with the effects of prolonged drought and displacement.

“During the visit, the delegation toured the Midnimo Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp on the outskirts of the Dhobley district to assess the humanitarian situation on the ground. The assessment comes amid worsening drought conditions after the failure of the recent rainy season, which has severely impacted food security and access to water for displaced families,” the statement reads.

Beyond the camp visit, the delegation also engaged local leaders and community representatives to better understand immediate needs and gaps in ongoing response efforts.

“The delegation also met with Dhobley district authorities and representatives of the IDP community to discuss urgent humanitarian needs and ongoing response efforts. Among the key concerns raised were shortages of food, clean water, shelter, and essential basic services,” the statement reads.

KDF said its role in providing security was critical in ensuring the safe movement of humanitarian actors operating in an area that remains fragile and vulnerable.

“The security support provided by KDF troops underscored AUSSOM’s role in creating a safe and stable environment that enables humanitarian actors to operate effectively. By ensuring the safe movement of the United Nations delegation, the joint escort helped facilitate timely assessments and coordination, reinforcing broader efforts to stabilise Somalia through improved security, humanitarian access, and support to local authorities and communities,” the statement reads.

The visit comes as humanitarian agencies warn that conditions in many parts of southern Somalia could deteriorate further if urgent support is not mobilised, particularly for displaced families who depend heavily on aid for survival.