Newly appointed Commander of the Kenya Army, Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter, has challenged soldiers to observe professionalism while executing the mandates of safeguarding the motherland.

Speaking after he visited Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops deployed under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and also Operation Amani Boni (OAB) in Lamu County on Saturday, July 12, 2025, Ketter reminded the soldiers of their solemn responsibility to the duty of safeguarding the nation.

 The commander pledged to take the lead in providing solutions to the challenges facing the mission that is set to conclude its work in Somalia in December 2029.

“Soldiers are guardians not just of national security but of the values they represent. Self-leadership and a deep sense of duty are central to this approach. The country has entrusted us with the security of our motherland.

“Let us execute our duties professionally. As your commanders, it is our responsibility to address challenges affecting our operations because leadership must provide solutions,” he stated.

AUSSOM officially began operations and its mandate on July 1, 2025, with a goal to support the Federal Government of Somalia to degrade Al-Shabaab and affiliates, support stabilisation in Somalia, and enable state-building priorities and ultimately facilitate the orderly transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces.

On his visit to troops deployed under Operation Amani Boni (OAB), the Commander was received at the Multi-Agency Headquarters by Base Commander Brigadier Lazarus Wafula and OAB Deputy Commander Colonel Christopher Boit.

He emphasised the critical role Operation Amani Boni plays in enhancing national security and supporting the development agenda along the LAPSSET corridor. 

Ketter, was recently promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and appointed to head the Kenya Army in changes undertaken by the president on June 27, 2025.

The changes now place him in pole position to succeed the current Chief of Defence Forces, General Charles Muriu Kahariri. Ketter looked primed for army leadership.

He reiterated his leadership philosophy anchored on the principle of being “soldier-centric”, an approach he says seeks to place the welfare, morale, and professional growth of the soldier at the heart of military decision-making.

 “The Kenya Army must be modern in capability but also humane in its internal culture. Our soldiers are the most critical assets in any theatre we deploy. Their welfare is not a privilege; it is a strategic necessity,” Ketter stated.