Somali troops to receive COVID-19 jab during KDF vaccination drive

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Thousands of soldiers attached to the Somali National Army [SNA] will be administered with the COVID-19 vaccine, Kenya's Chief of Defense Forces has said, just a week after the East Africa nation received a consignment of the vaccines from Europe.

COVID-19 has continued to wreak havoc across East Africa, with Kenya recording over 1500 deaths so far. Somalia may have fewer cases but the fact that health infrastructure is almost dysfunctional, many people may have contracted or died from the virus undetected.

General Robert Kibochi who received the vaccine on Thursday said the KDF team, which was recognized as one of the essential service providers, will ensure the vaccine is administered to all soldiers, whether in training camps or services outside the country.

He said the vaccination was happening concurrently at all their garrisons including Mtongwe, Nanyuki, Laikipia, and Gilgil. All KDF troops serving in Somalia and their Somali counterparts, he noted, will undergo the important vaccination exercise.

"We want also to assure our troops in Somalia and those from Somalia that we shall reach out to them so they should not feel left out. We know they make contacts with people and thus it is only prudent that we remember them," Kibochi said.

The army chief said KDF has over 3,000 troops serving in Somalia, mainly working alongside their SNA counterparts, thus the necessity to have all of them vaccinated. Kenya first invaded Somalia in 2011 under Operation Linda Nchi but would later join AMISOM.

Since then, the troops, despite suffering immense losses at El Adde and Kulbiyow, have managed to liberate several strategic towns in Middle and Lower Jubba. The army boss also said over 5,000 recruits will be vaccinated in the coming days.

"We shall also ensure that all the 5,000 new recruits in various training centers get the vaccination. This will play a key role in ensuring that none gets infected," he said

Speaking at Kahawa Garrison where he received the jab, Gen Kibochi said soldiers should ignore the fake news circulating about the vaccine and take the jab. Kenya has ordered a second batch of Covid-19 vaccines.

"We continue to stress the importance that prevention is better than cure. I have today taken the jab and you can see there is no side effect. I look forward to a very relaxed time," he said.

Kibochi said the soldiers should take advantage of the efforts being put in place by the government to protect them since it remains unclear how long the disease will be around.

"Ignore fake news and take the vaccination, this is a perfect chance to protect yourselves. After vaccination you should also stop the perception that that once vaccinated you drop the guard, you can still be infected with another variant so we must continue to adhere to all the containment measures.

GAROWE ONLINE