Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has raised concerns over a growing funding crisis that threatens the sustainability of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Speaking during the 2025 United Nations Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Army Chiefs Conclave in New Delhi, India, Kenya Army Deputy Commander Major General Mohamed Hassan highlighted the financial and logistical challenges currently facing troop-contributing nations.
Major General Hassan noted that Kenya, a long-time contributor to international peacekeeping, has witnessed firsthand how inadequate funding impacts mission effectiveness and troop welfare.
“As one of the longest-serving troop-contributing countries, Kenya’s experience has shown us that the future of peacekeeping depends not just on the number of troops, but on rethinking our approach to mandates, partnerships, lasting political solutions, and adequate funding,” he said.
He emphasized that Kenya remains committed to promoting peace and stability in Africa and beyond but urged the United Nations and the African Union to adopt reforms that make peace operations more adaptive to modern security challenges.
The current funding shortfall has reportedly hindered AUSSOM’s operational efficiency, threatening to reverse the security gains achieved in Somalia.
Kenya first deployed troops to Somalia in 2011 under Operation Linda Nchi, following parliamentary approval during President Mwai Kibaki’s administration. The mission transitioned from AMISOM to ATMIS in April 2022, as part of a phased plan leading to AUSSOM’s formation.
The three-day conclave in New Delhi brought together military chiefs and defence officials from around the world to discuss ways of improving peacekeeping through technology, interoperability, and shared responsibility.
On the sidelines, the Kenyan delegation also deepened bilateral ties with India, where Major General Charles Mwazighe, Director of the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), signed a collaboration agreement with the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) to enhance joint training and knowledge exchange.
