FACT CHECK: Kenya Police Mission To Haiti Backed By The United Nations Not Sponsored
Kenyan police officers deployed to the United Nations-backed mission in Haiti could earn up to Ksh279,955 per month, including allowances, making their peacekeeping efforts financially lucrative.
The international agency will pay each officer Ksh182,242 per month, with additional allowances significantly increasing their earnings.
During his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 1, nominee for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, revealed that the United Nations pays and insures the police deployed to the troubled Caribbean country.
FACT CHECK: Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary nominee Kithure Kindiki falsely claimed during his confirmation hearing that the #Haiti mission led by Kenyan police is funded by the United Nations, covering costs, insurance, and payment for officers.
— Mwangi (@MwangiMaina_) August 1, 2024
Kindiki’s claim is FALSE. pic.twitter.com/vh43N0SAvW
Responding to questions about the deployment, Kindiki reassured, “Our officers are covered, insured, and paid for by the United Nations, and therefore there is no cause for alarm.”
According to research, these officers will earn $1,410 per month, which is equivalent to around Ksh182,242 at the current exchange rate.
This salary framework, approved by the UN General Assembly in June 2014, has remained in effect with minor adjustments over time.
In addition, the officers receive a Mission Subsistence Allowance (MSA) of $756, which adds Ksh97,713 to their monthly income.
The Kenyan-led mission, authorized by the United Nations Security Council in October 2023, consists of 400 officers as part of a larger contingent of 1,000 Kenyan police officers dedicated to stabilizing the conflict-torn Caribbean nation.
The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which is supported by the United States, seeks to restore law and order in Haiti.
The UN’s reimbursement framework, which is detailed on its official website under Peacekeeping Missions, outlines the payment structure for contributing countries.
The General Assembly’s resolution 68/281 approved a new monthly rate of $1,332 per person, effective July 1, 2014, with gradual increases to $1,365 in 2016 and $1,410 in July 2017.
The Mission Subsistence Allowance (MSA) is an important part of the officers’ compensation. According to the UN, MSA covers long-term living expenses such as lodging, meals, and miscellaneous expenses incurred while serving in a field mission.
The allowance is paid to non-staff personnel assigned by a government to serve in individual capacities in UN missions such as peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other field missions.
Kenyan officers deployed to Haiti will come from the General Service Unit (GSU), Special Units, and the Border Patrol Unit (BPU).
This deployment is intended to support efforts to restore order in Haiti, which has been plagued by gang violence and instability.
“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,” stated Kindiki.
“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.”
FACT CHECK: Kenya Police Mission To Haiti Backed By The United Nations Not Sponsored
