MOGADISHU, Somalia – Thousands of soldiers affiliated with the Somali National Army [SNA] will be administered with the COVID-19 vaccine, Kenya’s defense chief has said, just a week after the East African nation received a shipment of the vaccines from Europe.
COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc in East Africa, where Kenya has so far registered more than 1,500 deaths. Somalia may have fewer cases, but the fact that health infrastructure is almost dysfunctional may have many people getting or dying from the undetected virus.
General Robert Kibochi, who received the vaccine on Thursday, said the KDF team, which was recognized as one of the main service providers, will ensure that the vaccine is administered to all soldiers, whether in training camps or services outside the country.
He said the vaccination took place simultaneously 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 also want to assure our troops in Somalia and those from Somalia that we will reach out to them so that they do not feel left out. We know that they make contact with people and it is therefore only wise that we remember them, “said Kibochi.
The army chief said KDF has over 3,000 troops serving in Somalia, working mainly with their SNA counterparts, and thus the need to get them all vaccinated. Kenya first invaded Somalia in 2011 during Operation Linda Nchi, but would later join AMISOM.
Since then, despite heavy losses at El Adde and Kulbiyow, the troops have managed to liberate several strategic cities in the Middle and Lower Jubba. The army chief also said that over 5,000 recruits will be vaccinated in the coming days.
“We must also ensure that all 5,000 new recruits in various training centers receive the vaccination. This will play a key role in ensuring that no one becomes infected,” he said.
In Kahawa Garrison, General Kibochi talked about the soldiers ignoring the fake news circulating about the vaccine and taking the jab. Kenya has ordered another batch of Covid-19 vaccines.
“We continue to emphasize the importance of prevention being better than cure. I have taken the jab today and you can see that 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 the government has made to protect them as it is still unclear how long the illness will last.
“Ignore fake news and take the vaccination, this is a perfect chance to protect you. After vaccination, you should also stop the perception that once you are vaccinated, you drop the guard, you can still be infected with another variant, so we must continue to comply with all containment measures.
AXADLETM.
