Kenya will spend KSh4.5B in six months by deploying KDF troops to Eastern DRC

Michael Majanga for Tv47 Digital November 10, 2022, 11:46 AM

KDF troops deployed to Eastern DRC — KDF soldiers set to be deployed in the Eastern DRC a moment after President William Ruto handed them the national flag at the Embakasi Garrison in Nairobi on November 2, 2022. PHOTO/KDF

In Summary

However, if the Kenyan troops stay for one year, the cost implication will be approximately KSh7.2 billion.

In case the troops stay on, the annual cost implication will be approximately KSh5.5 billion to KSh6 billion.

It is, however, envisaged that international financing may be secured for the operation and if this materialises, CS Aden Duale will apprise the Defence Committee accordingly.

The National Assembly on Wednesday, November 9 approved the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops to East African Community Regional Force to the Democratic Republic of Congo (EACRF-DRC).

In approving the decision, the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations says the request by National Executive had complied with the relevant legal provisions in the UN Charter, the EAC Treaty, the EAC Protocol on Peace and Security, the EAC Protocol on Co-operation on Defence Affairs, the Constitution of Kenya and the Kenya Defence Forces Act No. 25 of 2012.

Further, the committee chairperson - Belgut MP Nelson Koech - says they held three sittings during which it examined and reviewed the request and received submissions from Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on behalf of the National Security Council (NSC).

The KDF soldiers will now jointly plan and conduct operations with the DRC armed forces in the Joint Area of Operation (JOA), to defeat local and foreign armed groups in Eastern DRC and to support in concretizing maintenance of law and order.

Kenya will spend KSh4.45B

But deploying KDF soldiers to Eastern DRC comes with hefty financial implications.

A report by the committee indicates that Kenya will spend KSh4,451,308,775.87 to keep its troops in DRC in the next six months alone.

The amount, which is KSh601,866,299 million more than the initial amount contained in the memorandum to the NSC, will be spent towards equipment, operations and payment of sustenance allowances.

The lion's share of the money will go towards Operations and Management (KSh1,988,772,796.87) and equipment (KSh1,418,324,689.00). KSh1,044,211,290.00 will go towards personnel emoluments.