By HAN News Desk
KISMAYO — Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Soipan Tuya, arrived in the southern Somali city of Kismayo on Saturday on an official visit focused on Kenyan military operations in the region, officials said.
Tuya was accompanied by the Commander of the Kenya Army, Gen. David Ketter. During the visit, she toured Kenyan military bases in Kismayo, where troops are deployed as part of the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
The Kenyan defense minister said the trip was intended to assess the security situation and review the operational readiness and welfare of Kenyan forces stationed in Jubbaland. She also received briefings from military commanders on ongoing operations and regional security challenges.
The visit comes at a sensitive time, as Kismayo is currently hosting meetings involving Somali opposition groups, drawing political attention to the interim capital of Jubbaland.
Kenya is a major contributor to the African Union force in Somalia and plays a significant role in security operations in southern regions bordering Kenya. Kenyan troops have been involved in efforts to counter the al-Shabab militant group and support stabilization initiatives.
Kenyan officials said the visit underscores Nairobi’s commitment to regional security and continued cooperation with Somalia in maintaining peace and stability.
