The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is set to deploy more troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions after successfully completing mission readiness assessments at Kangaita Training Camp in Nanyuki.
In an update on Wednesday, September 10, KDF said the assessment was conducted by the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command (GOC EASTCOM), Major General Luka Kutto, on behalf of the Commander Kenya Army.
The training program was designed to equip the soldiers with essential knowledge and skills required for the implementation of UN mandates in mission areas.
According to KDF, upon confirming the troops’ preparedness, Kutto officially closed the exercise, which marked the final phase of their pre-deployment preparations.
In his address to the troops, Kutto highlighted the importance of professionalism and discipline while serving under the UN flag.
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"I am here to remind you that you are not only going out there as military personnel, but you are going out there as ambassadors of the Republic of Kenya. KDF is known for its professionalism in all peace keeping and peace enforcement missions. You are expected to maintain the standards," he said.
Once deployed, the contingent, working alongside allied forces, will take over from their predecessors in carrying out critical responsibilities.
These include the Protection of Civilians (PoC), facilitating the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) of illegal armed groups, and supporting Security Sector Reforms (SSR) through the establishment and operationalisation of justice and security institutions in their designated areas of responsibility.
This comes barely two weeks after KDF soldiers serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were recognized for their service and dedication under the United Nations peacekeeping mission.
In a statement on Friday, August 29, KDF said the Fourth Contingent of the Kenya Quick Reaction Force (KENQRF 4), deployed under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), received United Nations service medals in honor of their performance during a year-long tour of duty with the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB).
The medal parade was held at Camp Lt Masulia in North Kivu Province, presided over by MONUSCO Force Commander Lieutenant General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes.
Speaking during the event, Gomes praised the Kenyan troops for their resilience and commitment to peacekeeping.
"We have witnessed your resilience in this challenging environment. In addition, your engagement with the local community through cultural exchanges, key leadership engagements, and religious outreach programs has built trust and fostered relationships with the community, while demonstrating the compassion of being a peacekeeper," he said.
The FIB Commander, Brigadier Richard Tobias Chagonapanja, also praised the Kenyan contingent, noting its distinguished performance within the mission.
"The Kenyan contingent has demonstrated remarkable agility and reliability. Whenever called upon, you have responded swiftly and effectively, embodying the true spirit of a Quick Reaction Force," he remarked.
Speaking on behalf of the feted troops, KENQRF Commander Lieutenant Colonel Simon Seda expressed gratitude and pride in the recognition.
"These medals are not just a symbol of service but also a reminder of the sacrifices we have made jointly with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the local security forces, and our partners within MONUSCO.
"We are humbled by the trust placed in us and proud to have flown the Kenyan flag high under the banner of the United Nations," he said.
