In the coming days, Kenya will start negotiating with Somalia to withdraw its troops from the Horn of Africa nation.
Kenya has been part of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), whose mandate includes maintaining peace and enhancing security in the host nation.
Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Monica Juma, will lead the Kenyan delegation during the talks.
The talks will look into the possibility of withdrawing AMISOM troops from Somalia by 2021, when AMISOM is expected to close its operations in the country.
Kenya Defence Forces have been in Somalia for the last eight years. In that time, its presence has helped to reduce possible terrorist attacks.
KDF’s incursions into Somalia had a clear purpose. It was designed to not only destroy but also degrade Al-Shabaab. Kenya also hoped to topple the leadership of the militant group.
However, KDF’s presence in Somalia has not shielded Kenya from terrorist attacks.