Families of KDF soldiers killed in Somalia get Ksh.11.4M in compensation – Duale

Families of KDF soldiers killed in Somalia get Ksh.11.4M in compensation – Duale

Defence CS Aden Duale when he met the leadership of the Uasin County Government, NLC, and the Ministry of Lands on May 22, 2023. PHOTO | MoD

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has revealed the financial support provided to the families of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers who lose their lives in line of duty.

Duale, who appeared before a Senate plenary on Wednesday was responding to a question posed by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana on the amount given to kin of fallen soldiers.

According to Duale, the compensation amount depends on whether the officer was serving within Kenya or on international missions. 

“If the officer is serving within our country, he immediately gets Ksh.4M; above his pension which has a component called ‘Death Gratuity’.  If he’s serving in ATMIS like in Somalia, apart from the Ksh.4M, the AU and UN give that family $50,000 (approx. Ksh.7.4M),” Duale said addressing the Senate.

The sum under the KDF 'Death Gratuity' is designed to assist surviving family members with immediate expenses and readjustment.

CS Duale also highlighted that the support doesn't end with financial compensation. 

KDF have a comprehensive compensation policy that extends to injured personnel and their families. 

This policy encompasses widows, orphans, dependants, and service personnel living with disabilities.

“We have a very robust compensation policy within KDF, and families who’ve lost their loved ones are entitled to compensation package that includes financial support, which is promptly disbursed within two weeks,” he remarked.

“Section 245, subsection 10 of the KDF Act obligates the Government and more so the Ministry Defense and Kenya Defense Forces to compensate members of the KDF who lose their lives or suffer disability while undertaking military duties or training.”

Regarding Kenya's involvement in international missions, Duale credited the efforts of the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) in Somalia in fostering regional stability. 

“There is a semblance of a stable Government in Somalia today. The Somali Government has established and generated enough force and today you see the presence of Somalia at the forefront within Somali National Forces combating terror. That was not the case five or ten years ago,” he posited.

“I want to assure this house that the day for al Shabaab in Somalia and in our region is coming to an end.”

Kenya initiated Operation Linda Nchi in 2011, entering Somalia with the goal of combating the al Qaeda-affiliated al Shabaab Islamist group. 

This decision followed a series of border attacks and incursions by the militia group along the Kenya-Somalia border, endangering Kenya's national security and interests.

To sustain the gains made by the KDF in Somalia, Kenya was invited by the UN and AU to integrate its troops into AMISOM in November 2011. 


This formal integration took place on February 22, 2012, through United Nations Security Council Resolution 2036 (2012).

In response to a question about Kenya's mission in Haiti raised by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Duale clarified that this mission falls outside the scope of his ministry and redirected the inquiry to Interior CS Kithure Kindiki.

Tags:

Aden Duale Compensation Somalia KDF Citizen TV Citizen Digital

Want to send us a story? SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp 0743570000 or Submit on Citizen Digital or email wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories