A contingent of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops, who had been deployed in Somalia under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), have returned to Kenya.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, KDF said the troops arrived in the country over the weekend.
The soldiers, who were stationed at Kuday Forward Operating Base (FOB), arrived as part of a phased drawdown aimed at transferring security responsibilities to Somalia Security Forces.
KDF soldiers lauded
Brigadier Jackson Lesaiyo, Commander of Embakasi Garrison, led a reception ceremony to welcome the troops back.
In his address, Brig Lesaiyo lauded the returning soldiers for their commitment and professionalism throughout their deployment.
“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,” Brig Lesaiyo said.
A contingent of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops who had been deployed in Somalia under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) returned home over the weekend. https://t.co/ZpoVcweLwU pic.twitter.com/VRrG72pvS2
— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) October 22, 2024
He also highlighted the positive role the troops played in bolstering security efforts in Somalia and the broader region.
The phased withdrawal of KDF troops from Somalia is part of ATMIS’s broader strategy to hand over full security control to Somali forces.
During their deployment, the Kenyan soldiers worked alongside other African Union member states to combat extremism and foster stability in Somalia.
Upon their return, the troops will participate in routine post-deployment counselling programs designed to ease their reintegration into civilian life and family reunification.
The ceremony was attended by senior officers and service members, who expressed their gratitude for the soldiers’ service and dedication.
“The KDF has played a crucial role in regional peacekeeping missions, and this latest milestone underscores Kenya’s ongoing commitment to supporting peace and security in the Horn of Africa,” KDF stated.
KDF withdrawal from Somalia
Last year, the then Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said that KDF would withdraw from Somalia by December 2024 when all the countries that contributed troops for the peacekeeping mission will exit.
Duale, who appeared before the Senate plenary to answer senators’ questions, said the withdrawal of KDF troops is dependent on several factors including the progress of the ATMIS mandate and prevailing security and political conditions in the country.
“Already, Phase 1 of the drawdown has been completed where a total of 2,000 ATMIS soldiers exited, with Kenya drawing down 400 soldiers by June 2023. Phase 2 of the drawdown, was initially planned to end on September 30, 2023, however, this has been technically paused awaiting the African Union and United Nations decision on the Government of Somalia’s request for a three-month extension,” Duale said.
Duale had also revealed that the troop-contributing countries were prepared to draw down 3,000 troops, of which Kenya would withdraw 754 troops in Phase 2 with Phase 3 set to commence on October 1, 2023, through to June 30, 2024, where a total of 4,000 troops would be drawn down.
