The overwhelming majority of Kenyans – 70% – want Kenyan troops out of Somalia,

where they are battling militant Islamist group al-Shabab, a survey released by East African firm Twaweza has found.

Kenyans believe the al-Qaeda-linked group remains a major threat and just over half of those surveyed – 53% – say troops should therefore be deployed to the border – not in Somalia.

There was also strong support for government attempts to close the biggest refugee camp in the world, Dadaab in north-eastern Kenya, which accommodates mostly Somalis.

Of those who were aware of the plan, 80% support its closure.

The survey also found that more than 65% of people are worried that family members are being targeted for recruitment by militants.

Kenyan troops have been in Somalia as part of African Union force since 2011.

BBC