Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti for a United Nations-backed mission are receiving a substantial financial reward for their peacekeeping efforts.
Months after departing for the troubled Caribbean nation, these officers are earning up to Ksh279,955 per month, a significant boost to their income compared to their earnings in Kenya.
The financial package includes a base monthly salary of Ksh182,242, provided by the international agency. In addition, officers receive a Mission Subsistence Allowance (MSA) of $756, which adds approximately Ksh97,713 to their monthly earnings.
The deployment, authorized by the United Nations Security Council in October 2023, involves 400 Kenyan police officers as part of a larger contingent committed to stabilizing the violence-stricken nation.
The mission, also supported by the United States, aims to reclaim control from gangs and restore order in key areas, including infrastructure such as ports, airports, police stations, and hospitals.
During his vetting by the Appointments Committee on August 1, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, President William Ruto’s nominee for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, confirmed that the officers are fully covered, insured, and paid by the United Nations. He reassured the committee, stating, “Our officers are covered, insured, and paid for by the United Nations, and therefore there is no cause for alarm.”
The UN’s reimbursement framework, outlined under Peacekeeping Missions, details the pay structure for contributing countries.
The General Assembly’s resolution 68/281 established a base rate of $1,332 per person per month, with gradual increases leading to the current $1,410 rate from July 2017. This salary framework ensures that officers receive competitive compensation for their work in challenging and often dangerous environments.
Kenyan officers deployed to Haiti are drawn from the General Service Unit (GSU), Special Units, and the Border Patrol Unit (BPU).
Prof. Kindiki praised the officers’ dedication and success, emphasizing the importance of their mission and expressing hope for their continued progress.