Effects of African Union Mission Deployment on Mental Health of Kenyan Soldiers in Somalia

Abstract

Deployment in peace support operations exposes soldiers to prolonged stress, traumatic events, and demanding operational environments that may affect their mental health. Despite Kenya’s significant contribution to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), there is limited context-specific empirical evidence on the mental health effects of such deployments on Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel. This study therefore examined the effects of African Union Mission deployment on the mental health of Kenyan soldiers serving in Somalia. Specifically, the study examined the psychosocial effects of deployment, determined the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), assessed substance use patterns as coping mechanisms for stress, and evaluated the interventions used by the KDF to manage mental health challenges among deployed soldiers. The study adopted a descriptive survey design integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches and was guided by Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and HumanisticExistential Theory. The study targeted 520 Kenya Defence Forces soldiers stationed at Langata Barracks who had deployment exposure under AMISOM. Demographic factors such as age, gender, and years of service were examined in relation to mental health outcomes. A sample size of 226 respondents was determined using the Yamane sample size formula and selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires containing both closed-ended and open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data obtained from the open-ended responses were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns related to soldiers’ psychological experiences and their perceptions of available mental health support. The findings revealed that 9% of respondents exhibited symptoms consistent with PTSD, 16% demonstrated problematic substance use patterns requiring further evaluation, and 23% reported psychosocial effects associated with deployment, including anxiety, sleep disturbances, and emotional strain. Furthermore, only 8% acknowledged the availability of mental health support mechanisms, while 25% were aware of existing mental health facilities, suggesting gaps in perceived accessibility and utilization of mental health services. The results also indicated that awareness and availability of mental health support mechanisms among soldiers remained limited. Although many soldiers appeared to cope with deployment demands, the study established that deployment under the African Union Mission in Somalia had notable psychological effects on a segment of Kenyan soldiers. The study concludes that deployment under the African Union Mission in Somalia has measurable psychological effects on a portion of Kenyan soldiers, exacerbated by operational pressures, stigma associated with seeking psychological support, and gaps in institutional mental health interventions. The study recommends strengthening policy frameworks governing military deployment and mental health through mandatory psychological screening before and after deployment, improved access to counseling services, structured reintegration programs, leadership training on psychological welfare, and strengthened family support systems to enhance psychological resilience and operational readiness among soldiers.