(November 2012) Although the scale of the operation launched by
Kenya indicates that plans for such an offensive had been underway long before the actual invasion, questions have been raised over the overall preparedness and coordination of the Kenya Defence Force (KDF) for the operation, given the domestic vulnerabilities evident in the consequent counter
attacks launched by al-Shabaab militia on Kenyan civilians. Now
that the KDF and units of the Somalia National Army (SNA)have claimed victory over al-Shabaab, having liberated their
last stronghold, the port city of Kismayo, on 29 September
2012, many questions still linger on the forces’ plans following this success.