The common perception of a soldier's life is that of an easy, fun-filled career of cheap afco-bought goods. But as the deployment of Kenyan Defence Force in Somali proves, being far away from home and for long periods in an environment where death from an enemy bullet is a constant threat is a harsh reality in a soldier's life. For combat forces, that means separation from loved ones and the agony of not knowing if you will return alive to see them again. Judy Kosgei spent time with KDF in Somalia and found out that behind the tough, battle-hardened faces are spouses, parents, children and siblings with nostalgia for home and family.
