The Kenyan government has spent Ksh.2.1 billion taxpayers money on the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti, despite earlier promises that no taxpayer money would be used for the mission.
A letter from the Treasury to the National Assembly reveals that a total of Ksh.17.6 billion was spent under Article 223, which allows the government to use funds without parliamentary approval.
Therefore, out of this amount, Ksh.2 billion went towards Kenya’s peacekeeping efforts that is ongoing in Haiti.
This payment, that was made on September 18th, has raised concerns among Kenyans about the mission’s funding.
Why taxpayers money
Reports suggest that Kenyan troops in Haiti are facing tough conditions, and critics have questioned why taxpayer money is being used when it was previously promised otherwise.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi clarified that the money spent would be reimbursed by the United Nations.
He explained that Kenya initially covers the costs since the troops are Kenyan, and the funds will be reflected in the budget as both income and expenditure.
President William Ruto, in a meeting with former Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille in Nairobi, called on the global community to provide urgent support to sustain the mission.
Kenya has been leading the peacekeeping efforts in Haiti since June, aiming to address the country’s gang violence.
Kenyan troops in Haiti
Kenya has since deployed approximately 600 personnel to Haiti for this specific peacekeeping mission by the UN.
This includes an initial contingent of 400 police officers, who are yet to be followed by an additional 200 officers.
The said mission, which started in mid-2024, aims to address escalating gang violence and improve security.
Despite logistical challenges and reports of underfunding, Kenya government remains committed to the mission.
The international community, including the UN and the U.S., has pledged financial support to sustain these efforts, though significant gaps in equipment and funding remain.
The mission aims to combat gang violence and restore order in the country. Plans are in place to complete the full deployment of Kenya’s forces by early 2025.
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