KDF Medics Perform Free Hernia Surgeries in Somalia

Somalia , July 11, 2026 - Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) medical personnel serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have successfully performed hernia surgeries on patients at Dhobley Level II Hospital, providing much-needed specialised treatment to residents with limited access to healthcare. The surgeries, carried out on patients suffering from hernia-related complications, were led by senior KDF medical officers with support from a team of healthcare professionals deployed under the mission. According to the KDF, the procedures involved removing the protruding tissue and reinforcing weakened abdominal walls using surgical mesh, offering patients a chance to recover and resume normal lives. The military said the intervention underscores its humanitarian role alongside its security mandate in Somalia, where Kenyan troops are part of the African Union mission supporting peace and stabilisation efforts. Beyond providing security, KDF medical teams have continued to offer healthcare services to local communities, helping bridge gaps in access to specialised treatment while supporting Somalia's health system. “The medical outreach is part of AUSSOM's broader objective of improving the welfare of communities affected by years of conflict by combining security operations with humanitarian assistance,” said KDF in a statement on Saturday. Kenyan troops serving under AUSSOM have regularly conducted medical camps and other community support programmes in areas under the mission's responsibility as part of efforts to strengthen relations with local populations while contributing to peace and stability.