Dhobley, Somalia – Ten Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) personnel serving under the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have completed a five-day solar energy training course in Sector II, Dhobley.
The program, organized by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia’s (UNSOS) Field Technology Services, concluded on Saturday.
It combined classroom learning with practical field exercises, equipping the peacekeepers with the skills to deploy and maintain sustainable solar energy systems in mission areas.
According to UNSOS, the training is part of broader efforts to strengthen the mission’s operational sustainability while reducing reliance on diesel generators.
By mastering solar energy solutions, the troops are expected to enhance energy reliability at forward operating bases and cut operational costs.
Sector II officials said the initiative will directly support AUSSOM’s mandate by ensuring troops can operate in remote areas with minimal logistical challenges.
The renewable energy skills are also expected to have long-term benefits as personnel can apply them beyond the mission in future national assignments.
The course reflects AUSSOM’s increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility and resource efficiency, aligning with the AU’s commitment to greening peace support operations.
This marks another step in enhancing the self-sufficiency and resilience of peacekeepers as AUSSOM transitions into its new operational phase in Somalia.