The Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter made a visit to Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops deployed under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and also Operation Amani Boni (OAB) in Lamu County. The visits intended to reinforce and maintain troop morale as well as assess ongoing operations.
In the visit to AUSSOM troops, the Commander, accompanied by the Commander AUSSOM Sector II, Brig Edward Banda, Chief of Operations at the headquarters Kenya Army, Brig Charles Oduor among other senior officers, Lt Gen Keter visited Dhobley, Afmadhow and Kismayo.
In his address to the troops, the Commander Kenya Army conveyed greetings from the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, and the entire KDF leadership and personnel. He further commended troops for their commitment and sacrifice, acknowledging their steadfast efforts in the initial phase of AUSSOM following transition from African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
The Commander assured troops that his command and leadership philosophy includes “Soldier-centric” as a pillar, which emphasizes constant vigilance, discipline and mission readiness. He highlighted that the philosophy goes beyond combat, promoting moral integrity, accountability and professionalism.
“Soldiers are guardians not just of national security but of 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 added.
Brig Banda thanked the Commander Kenya Army for prioritizing to visit soldiers in AUSSOM operations.
“We are privileged as the AUSSOM I fraternity, to host you. We look forward to your leadership and guidance that will be pivotal to the achievement of missions and the greater realization of AUSSOM mandate and objectives.”
AUSSOM officially began operations and its mandate on July 1, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude in December 2029, with a goal to support the Federal Government of Somalia to degrade Al-Shabaab and affiliates, support stabilization in Somalia and enable state-building priorities and ultimately facilitate the orderly transfer transferring of security responsibilities to Somali forces.
In the 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.
In his address, Lt Gen Ketter emphasized the critical role Operation Amani Boni plays in enhancing national security and supporting the development agenda along the LAPSSET corridor. He commended the troops for their discipline, resilience, and unwavering dedication to securing the region against extremist threats.
A central message during his visit revolved around the modernisation of the Kenya Army and the enhancement of soldier training and welfare. The Commander reiterated that sustained investments in modern equipment, tactical mobility, and advanced training are essential in maintaining an adaptive and combat-ready force. He stressed that modernization efforts will be deliberately aligned with the evolving nature of asymmetric threats, particularly in forested and rugged terrains such as the Boni Enclave.
Key to note in his address, Lt Gen Ketter reiterated his leadership philosophy anchored on the principle of being “Soldier-Centric”. He explained that this approach seeks to place the welfare, morale, and professional growth of the soldier at the heart of military decision-making. By prioritizing troop welfare, including health, accommodation, family support, and career progression, the Commander affirmed his belief that a well-supported soldier is more effective, resilient, and mission-focused.
“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,” Lt Gen Ketter affirmed.
The Commander also held engagements with senior field officers, receiving operational briefs and discussing cross-service cooperation between Kenya Army units and the Kenya Navy Maritime Component operating from Manda. He acknowledged the importance of inter-agency collaboration in enhancing the overall effectiveness of Operation Amani Boni and lauded the synergy demonstrated by the deployed forces.
Lt Gen Ketter’s visit served as a powerful reaffirmation of command presence, operational focus, and institutional commitment to those serving on the frontlines. It was not only a familiarization visit, but a statement of intent: that under his leadership, the Kenya Army will continue to evolve as a professional, modern, and soldier-cantered force.
Add Comment