Revealed: Kenya spent Sh2.1 billion on Haiti mission

By Peter Ochieng

The Kenyan government has spent Sh2.1  billion on the Haiti multinational peace mission since June.

This is despite an assurance from former Cabinet Secretary (CS) for interior Kithure Kindiki, that no tax payers money would be used in the initiative.

Kenya deployed 400 security officers to Haiti in June and July, with more expected to leave for the Caribbean nation within the next few days.

Ahead of the deployment in June, Kindiki (now Deputy President) appeared before the National Assembly and stated that the United Nations (UN) backed mission, was financially being supported by several nations, including the US.

He told MPs that Kenyan police would not leave the country without the funds first being availed.

However, documents presented to the National Assembly by the National Treasury reveal that the Sh2.1 billion expenditure is part of Sh17.6 billion utilised under Article 223 of the constitution.

The Article allows government spending without prior parliamentary approval.

The UN Security Council early this year approved the mission, reliant on voluntary financial contributions.

UN member states pledged $600 million (Sh91.5 billion) in support of the mission, but reports indicate that only a fraction of the funds have been made available.

According to Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, the United States would refund the amount under the Haiti Mission agreement.

“This money we are spending is on behalf of the UN. We pay from our exchequer because these are our officers. Once refunded, we will recognize the expenditure in the supplementary budget as per the law,” said the former ODM chairman.

It is not clear whether US's incoming President, Donald Trump's administration will continue supporting the Haiti mission.

Trump was elected early this month, after defeating outgoing Vice President, Kamala Harris.

He will take oath of office in January to replace the outgoing President, Joe Biden.

President Ruto has already had a phone conversation with Trump over a range of issues, including the Haiti mission.