KDF soldiers to continue staying in Somalia, says President Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced that officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will continue staying in Somalia until security objectives are met in both countries.

President Kenyatta spoke on Sunday when he presided over the Kenya Defence Forces Day in Gilgil where he also laid a wreath at the monument of fallen heroes.

The Head of State commended efforts of the force in safekeeping missions, stating that: “Kenyans appreciate the role the KDF continues to play in the promotion of peace and security within the region and beyond.”

“… our entry into Somalia in 2011 was informed by the threat that our nation faced then and now. And so we will continue to maintain our presence in Somalia under AMISOM (African Union Mission to Somalia) until our security objectives and those of the international community are achieved; including the restoration of peace and stability in Somalia,” he said.

President Kenyatta said the decision to let KDF troops remain in Somalia was due to the transnational threats to both national and international security.

“Our region continues to experience major security challenges emanating from terror networks that emerge and have thrived by taking advantage of the ungoverned spaces on the Horn of Africa,” he added.

“These networks continue to target our people in order to create fear and affect our everyday life.”