- However, Duale candidly addressed recent declines in Kenya's participation, attributing it to resource constraints.
- He pointed out that in the recent past, Kenya's contribution to peace support had declined partly due to resource constraints.
Image: DUALE/X
Kenya has launched the National Peace Support Operations Fund.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale who presided over the inauguration event in Nairobi, explained that the launch demonstrated Kenya's commitment to peace on both regional and global fronts.
"This Fund is a tangible embodiment of our unwavering commitment to peace, both within our region and across the globe," he said at Kahawa Garrison on Thursday.
The CS also placed the Fund within the broader context of Kenya's involvement in Peace Support Operations across continents, acknowledging the nation's notable and transformative contributions.
However, Duale candidly addressed recent declines in Kenya's participation, attributing it to resource constraints.
He pointed out that in the recent past, Kenya's contribution to peace support had declined partly due to resource constraints.
"Therefore, the establishment of this Fund is a decisive response to these challenges ensuring our peacekeepers are well prepared, suitably equipped, ready and able to meet Kenya's obligations in the maintenance of international peace and security," Duale stated.
The Fund, according to Duale, is poised to elevate Kenya's role on the international stage, enhance economic prospects, and foster international cooperation in fulfilling the nation's commitments to peace and security.
The active deployment capability, facilitated by the Fund, ensures that Kenya's defence forces can swiftly respond with the right equipment and competencies in a changing security environment.
The Defence boss emphasized that the National Peace Support Operations Fund is more than a financial allocation.
He insisted that it symbolizes Kenya's pledge to the international community and its citizens, assuring that the nation will remain a beacon of peace and stability.
The CS said the Fund shall further help promote capacity-building programmes to enhance Force generation and Force posture of the KDF.
He said Kenya was a ranking partner in peacekeeping operations globally but has since been overtaken by other countries over the years due to inadequate financing for the operations.
The Fund shall further help promote capacity-building programmes to enhance Force generation and Force posture of the KDF.
He said Kenya was a ranking partner in peacekeeping operations globally but has since been overtaken by other countries over the years due to inadequate financing for the operations.
The CS urged the Fund Administrator and Secretariat to ensure prudent management of the resources to guarantee success in mandate implementation.
Going further, the CS outlined a critical need in Kenya's national defence strategy, emphasizing the Fund's role in aligning troops for the complexities of the contemporary peace support environment.
Duale underscored that the substantial initial capital outlay represents an active investment in peace.
"We are not just pledging our support for peace; we are actively investing in it. It is our considered view that the gains derived from investing in peace cannot be gainsaid," he stated
In addition, Duale commended President William Ruto and the National Assembly for approving the establishment of the fund.
He acknowledged that it was a collective effort that led to the funds' establishment
The National Assembly last year in June, approved regulations to establish the National Peace Support Operations Fund, which will provide support for Kenya Defence Forces peacekeeping missions and operations.
This was after the House adopted a report of the Committee on Delegated Legislation, which considered the Public Finance Management (National Peace Support Operations Fund) Regulations, 2023.
The creation of the fund will not only ensure that the equipment supplied by the government to its troops is in good working condition but also enable Kenya to receive payment for the period in which its troops are deployed.