Saturday October 17, 2026
Kismayo (HOL) — A senior Kenyan military commander visited Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) serving with the African Union mission in Kismayo this week, emphasizing operational readiness, discipline and troop welfare as Kenyan forces continue security operations in southern Somalia.
Maj. Gen. Luka Kutto, General Officer Commanding Eastern Command, met personnel serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), as part of a wider tour by senior KDF commanders of troops deployed in operational areas, Kenya’s Defense Ministry announced.
advertisements
Kutto was received in Kismayo by Col. Daniel Musau, deputy commander of AUSSOM Sector 2.
During meetings with personnel, Kutto reviewed the operational environment and the demands facing troops and stressed the importance of maintaining readiness, discipline and professionalism, according to the ministry.
The visit also coincided with events surrounding KDF Day, which Kenya’s military marks to honor serving personnel, veterans and soldiers killed in the line of duty.
Kenya marked KDF Day on Oct. 14, including commemorations by troops deployed with AUSSOM at Sector 2 headquarters in Kismayo and other bases in Somalia.
Kenyan troops form a key part of AUSSOM’s presence in southern Somalia, particularly in Sector 2, which is centered on Kismayo and includes areas of Jubaland.
The Kenyan contingent has also been involved in training Somali and Jubaland security forces. In June, AUSSOM personnel in Kismayo trained dozens of Jubaland troops in areas including weapons handling, countering improvised explosive devices and tactical combat casualty care.
AUSSOM began operations in January 2025, succeeding the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia. Its mandate includes supporting Somali forces in operations against al-Shabab, protecting key infrastructure and helping Somali security institutions gradually assume greater responsibility for the country’s security.
The U.N. Security Council has authorized up to 11,826 uniformed personnel, including 680 police officers, for AUSSOM through Dec. 31, 2026. The council has also called for additional international financial support for the mission and Somali security forces.
Kenya has deployed forces in Somalia for more than a decade and remains one of the African countries contributing troops to operations against al-Shabab.
Kenyan personnel in Sector 2 have also conducted joint security and community programs around Kismayo, including medical outreach, training and engagement with local authorities and communities.
The Defense Ministry described Kutto’s visit as part of efforts to maintain command relationships and troop morale during deployments, particularly as AUSSOM supports Somalia’s continuing security transition.