Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has today hosted the outgoing Head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Ms. Lisa Filipetto at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.
The CS reiterated Kenya’s commitment to add value and sustain the peace process to help rebuild Somalia that has been under constant attack from Al Qaeda linked Militia group Al-Shabaab. Hon. Duale said Kenya is prepared for the anticipated drawdown of troops from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) saying KDF soldiers shall be deployed along Kenya’s borders to defend and protect the Republic against any external aggression in line with their Constitutional mandate.
He noted that Kenya remains steadfast in fighting terrorism and violent extremism in the region which was evidenced by the appointment of Kenya’s High ranking officer, Major General Peter Muteti as the ATMIS Deputy Force Commander. The CS said KDF shall continue to build capacity of the Somalia National Force to enable them take over once the mission comes to an end.
Ms. Filipetto said plans to have a Joint Command Centre for the troops contributing countries in Somalia are at an advanced stage to promote synergy and information sharing.
The envoy officially completed her term on 23 March. The CS was accompanied by a KDF officer in charge of Policy Policy, Colonel Edwin Teka.
