KDF set for Somalia deployment under African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission
By Kiprono Keileb, October 5, 2025The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have reaffirmed their readiness for continued deployment under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), following an operational readiness assessment led by Brigadier Lawrence Ntoyai, the Chief of Inspectorate at the Defence Headquarters.
According to a statement shared by KDF on Saturday, October 4, 2025, the assessment was conducted by a team from the Directorate of Oversight, Compliance and Accountability (DOCA) as part of its mandate to ensure that all military operations remain consistent with KDF’s legal, ethical, and policy frameworks.
Focus on preparedness and discipline
The KDF delegation visited all bases under AUSSOM to review troop preparedness, infrastructure, and welfare. The final stop was in Kismayo, where AUSSOM received the team, including KDF Sector II Commander Brig. Edward Banda, who briefed them on operational readiness, personnel capability, and medical support within the camp.
The statement noted that the assessment also covered capacity and infrastructure development. capacity development, troop welfare, and infrastructure improvement, as part of efforts to keep Kenyan forces ready for current and future assignments under the mission.
“They were briefed on personnel and equipment readiness, infrastructure, capacity development, troop welfare, and medical support. Thereafter, they were taken on an assessment walk-around to the various departments within the camp,” the statement reads
Ntoyai, who led the delegation, emphasised that such visits are crucial in maintaining KDF’s high professional standards and accountability.
“The Directorate is mandated to conduct assessments to safeguard professional standards and adherence to international legal norms. It is a way of identifying areas where KDF can improve and enhance operational readiness,” Ntoyai said, as quoted in the statement.
He further encouraged the troops to remain focused on their assignment and commended them for their dedication to advancing peace and stability in Somalia.
KDF’s commitment to accountability
According to KDF, the visit is part of a broader effort to foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and compliance across all units, both at home and in deployed missions.
The statement reaffirmed KDF’s continued commitment to professionalism and its role in supporting regional peace and security. “These assessments are part of the ongoing oversight process that ensures the highest standards of discipline and ethical conduct,” the post added.
Strengthening peace efforts in Somalia
The AUSSOM mission, which succeeded the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), focuses on supporting the Somali government to stabilise liberated areas, enhance governance, and strengthen local security structures.
KDF’s continued involvement under AUSSOM reflects Kenya’s enduring role in regional peacekeeping and the defence of stability across the Horn of Africa.