Lamu County, Kenya – The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), operating under Operation Amani Boni (OAB), in collaboration with United States Civil Affairs officers from Camp Simba, conducted a Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMIC) outreach at Mokowe Arid Mixed Day and Boarding School in Lamu County.
The engagement, themed “Pathways to Service and Nation Building: Opportunities and the Role of KDF in Society,” brought together students, school leadership, representatives from the Kenya Red Cross, Lamu Women for Peace, and officials from the Lamu County Government.
The initiative forms part of ongoing non-kinetic efforts aimed at strengthening trust, legitimacy, and resilience within local communities.
The Officer in Charge of the CIMIC team under Operation Amani Boni emphasized that KDF’s role goes beyond protecting territorial integrity.
“Through structured community engagements such as this, we seek to foster trust and resilience among the people we serve. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders in national security, public service, and community development. By mentoring them, we are investing in sustainable peace and long-term stability.”
Speaking during the outreach, Captain Andrew Hunt, Team Leader of the U.S. Civil Affairs Team, underscored the value of partnership and education in promoting security and development.
“This outreach reflects our continued partnership with the Kenya Defence Forces and our shared commitment to community support. Education equips young people with the knowledge to resist exploitation and to contribute positively to their communities. Our collaboration underscores a unified commitment to peace, stability, and long-term growth for Kenya.”
Representing the Lamu County Government, Mr. Shee Kupi Shee commended the joint initiative, reminding students that education is safeguarded by the sacrifices of security officers stationed at Manda Base and Camp Simba.
He encouraged learners to cultivate discipline, respect, and patriotism, noting that nation-building begins with character.
The outreach concluded with the distribution of essential supplies, including food items, sanitary pads, and learning materials, gestures that brought visible smiles to students and symbolized solidarity and shared responsibility for their well-being.
The Lamu County Department of Public Service Management expressed appreciation to the joint officers for their continued partnership, reaffirming that strengthened trust between security agencies and communities is key to lasting peace and stability.
The CIMIC engagement demonstrates sustained collaboration between KDF, U.S. forces, and local stakeholders in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development in Lamu County.
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