The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on Sunday, October 8, announced the establishment of a specific fund to facilitate deployment of troops in peace missions.
In a statement seen by The Kenya Times, KDF noted that the fund named Peace Support Operations (PSOs) Fund was approved in a cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto.
According to the statement, the PSO fund will help to ensure that KDF meets United Nations peacekeeping standards.
The idea of creating the fund, KDF noted, was fronted by the National Security Council.
Further, KDF explained that the fund will help in maintenance of equipment and other assets used in combat.
“The Cabinet Chaired by the President, His Excellency Dr. William Ruto has approved the establishment of the Peace Support Operations (PSOs) Fund which shall be critical in enabling the military deploy troops in peace support operations globally,” the statement read.
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Additionally, the Defence agency stated that the fund will help to facilitate research and evaluation of soldiers’ operations in missions.
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As per the statement, KDF has attained a status as a key Troop Contributing Country (TCC) hence necessitating investment to enhance preparedness and operations.
The funds will be managed by the Defence Council and administered by the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Defence.
“The approval by the apex decision making organ in the country is a boost to the KDF in its efforts to promote peace, security and stability nationally, in the region and in the global arena,” the statement read.
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Ruto Anchors Kenya as Regional Peace Crusader
Since his ascension to power, President Ruto has affirmed his government’s commitment to positioning Kenya as a key player in ensuring regional peace and security.
In his tenure, Kenya has played part in several peace missions including the ongoing peace keeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia.
In 2022, for example, Kenya sent KDF soldiers to DRC to take part in joint peacekeeping mission in Eastern DRC. For more than a decade now, Kenya has also contributed troops to the African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in fight against Al Shabab.
Further, Kenya has promised to deploy 1,000 police officers to Haiti in a mission aimed at restoring order in the country.