Kenyan police officers deployed to war-torn Haiti for a peacekeeping mission are raking in impressive sums, thanks to the UN reimbursement framework detailed on its Peacekeeping Missions website.
The officers are each looking to pocket up to Ksh279,955 per month, which is inclusive of allowances including housing, meals and other expenses.
According to the framework, these officers will earn $1,410 monthly, translating to approximately Ksh182,242 at the current exchange rate. Additionally, the officers are entitled to a Mission Subsistence Allowance (MSA) of $756, adding Ksh97,713 to their monthly income.
During his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 1, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, the Cabinet Secretary nominee for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, was questioned about the remuneration of police deployed to Haiti. He disclosed that these officers were fully covered by the United Nations.
“Our officers are covered, insured, and paid for by the United Nations, and therefore there is no cause for alarm,” Kindiki responded.
Approved by the UN General Assembly in June 2014, this reimbursement framework outlines the pay structure for officers deployed from contributing countries to serve in peacekeeping missions.
The Reimbursement framework also encompasses the Mission Subsistence Allowance (MSA), which covers long-term living expenses such as accommodation, meals, and other miscellaneous costs during field missions. This allowance is provided to non-staff personnel appointed by a government to serve in individual roles within UN missions, including peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other field assignments.
The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, authorized by the United Nations Security Council in October 2023, features 400 officers within a broader contingent of 1,000 Kenyan police dedicated to stabilizing the violence-stricken Caribbean nation. Supported by the United States, the MSS mission aims to restore law and order in the violence-striken Haiti.
Kindiki expressed his pride in the officers, noting the impressive strides they have accomplished since their arrival in the Carribbean country.
“It’s also good to report good progress so far. The officers have recovered critical infrastructure, including the port, the airport, the main police station, and the hospital from the gangs. Some of the gang leaders who were defiant have now signed for peace and are willing to engage. Our officers are doing a commendable job. We are praying for them and hope for their continued success,” he noted.
