UPDF soldiers in a training session.

Senators in Kenya are discussing the possibility of deploying Kenyan Defense Forces in South Sudan.

The Senate, which is the lower house of the parliament in Kenya, wants to approve the deployment of Kenyan troops as part of IGAD proposed Protection and Deterrent Forces.

Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki tabled the notice on the floor of the House yesterday.

According to a Kenyan Newspaper, The Star, the Kenya National Security Council recommended the deployment of KDF soldiers to South Sudan last month.

The council’s request follows the UN Security Council resolution of December 2013 that proposed the deployment of 1000 troops to South Sudan.

Last month, South Sudan’s Cabinet approved the deployment of regional forces from IGAD member countries to help end violence in the country.

The Kenyan Defense Forces –if approved -will join other regional troops in protecting the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism and protect strategic installations.