President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday made a historic visit to Somalia meeting the Kenyan troops serving under the African Union Mission at Dhobley Military in Somalia

The Commander-in-Chief, who was dressed in full military gear, thanked the troops them for their sacrifice and service to their motherland.

The President told the soldiers that Kenya will be forever indebted to them for neutralizing the threat of Al-Shabaab.

“Your being here in Somalia has saved many lives, and for that Kenyans will forever be indebted to you. Your presence here has at least freed people of the fear of Al Shabaab,” President Kenyatta said.

The Dhobley Military Camp is the headquarters of the AMISOM, a nerve centre and a log base for the UN.

The head of state also assured the soldiers of the governments’ support.

“We are talking to the new Somali Government to emphasize to them the importance of building their military so that you can go back home. That is our exit strategy,” President Kenyatta added.

His came four days after the State of the Nation address in which he paid glowing tribute to Kenyan men and women in uniform for their commitment and dedication to service to secure their country.

“In defence of our motherland, and in fulfilling our international obligations to pursue peace and security, we have lost some of our gallant soldiers. These losses remind us of the threat that is upon us. I stand here today to say that these gallant sons and daughters of Kenya have not fallen in vain. Their sacrifice for our freedom and our motherland strengthens our resolve.” President Kenyatta said in his State of the Nation address.

This was President Kenyatta’s first visit to Somalia in the context of lifting morale of Kenyan troops.

The President has already been to the Somali Capital Mogadishu previously on other state engagements.