Kenyan troops will not withdraw from Somalia until Al-Shabaab defeated - Uhuru

ELDORET, Kenya -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta vowed on Wednesday to continue with peacekeeping operations across the world and the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) will continue supporting the quest for peace and stabilization of Somalia under the auspices of the African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

"Not only does this bring peace, security, and stability to a neighboring state with which we share deep historic bonds, it also provides our nation with safety and security from terror groups and other asymmetrical threats," said him in Eldoret in northwest Kenya where he presided over a KDF recruit passing out parade.

Kenyatta said the soldiers will continue to carry on Kenya's proud tradition of participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations whenever called upon.

He said Kenya has always stood together with all nations and peoples of the world, who adhere to the universal principles of utmost respect for human rights, democracy and freedom.

"We shall never waiver from that solemn commitment, and each graduand today should expect to be called upon to continue that tradition wherever the demands of keeping the peace may require," said Kenyatta.

He said the government will continue investing to give security forces the best training and equipment necessary for the security challenges of the 21st century.

"It is also important to note that the 21st-century defense landscape is one that requires our warriors to be better, stronger, more committed and more competent than ever before. I have the utmost confidence in the ability of the Kenya Defense Forces to rise up to these challenges," he said.

The president lauded role KDF's efforts to speed up the pace of Kenya's industrialization, noting that the country's prosperity goes hand-in-hand with an environment of peace and security enabled by the KDF and sister agencies in the security and defense sectors.

He called upon the military to be direct drivers of Kenya's prosperity by contributing to the national industrialization processes.

The Kenyan leader said the KDF will continue playing its role in regional and international security with more vigor, noting that he appreciates the role KDF has continued to play in securing Kenya within the framework of multi-agency operations.