Kenya Defence Forces Day: Honouring Acts Of Valour By Troops Protecting The Country

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 15- The Kenya Defence Forces Day is observed annually to commemorate KDF soldiers’ gallantry and sacrifices in the line of duty. It is also a day to remember and honour the fallen KDF heroes who have paid the ultimate price in defence of the country.

Traditionally during the event, officers and service members who have displayed exemplary devotion to service, innovation, selflessness in duty, bravery in combat and sacrifices that saved lives are recognized with awards.

Officials say the day is a solemn occasion to honour fallen heroes and heroines who have died defending their motherland Kenya and a day to recognise and honour the good work by men and women in uniform.

The celebrations will be marked nationwide in various military installations.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) first entered the Horn of Africa nation in 2011 in a government-backed military operation, code name Linda Nchi (Protect the Nation).

The Kenyan troops were deployed to Somalia through the southern border with clear instructions of establishing a security buffer zone to tame the Al-Shabaab group, which had extended its tentacles of terror throughout the region – with its insurgents launching attacks in Kenya.

On February 22, 2012, KDF rehated into the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), following the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2036.

As part of the troop-contributing countries, Kenya became part of the AMISOM mandate which includes, reducing the threat posed by the Al Shabaab, assist the Somali security forces to provide security for the political process at all levels as well as stabilization, reconciliation, and peace-building in the country.

Dozens of soldiers have been killed and injured since the operation started.

KDF says they are not ready to leave Somalia even though some of the regions have been liberated from the militants – Capacity building for Somalia’s security teams to take over remains the biggest priority now moving forward in order to ensure the country is not overun by insurgents if troop contributing countries are to be withdraw.

The war against terrorism and restoring peace in Somalia remains a complex affair and along term mission.