Africa Kenya launches fund to support peacekeeping operations

Kenya has launched a national peace support operations fund aimed at ensuring that its troops deployed to regional and global conflict zones are adequately equipped and resourced. The initiative, approved by the Cabinet in October 2023, is part of Kenya’s commitment to promoting peace and stability abroad, according to Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

Speaking at the fund’s launch in Nairobi, Duale emphasized its importance in supporting Kenya’s national defense strategy by ensuring that troops are well-prepared for the complexities of modern peace support missions. He highlighted that resource constraints had previously affected Kenya’s contributions to international peacekeeping efforts, making domestic resource mobilization crucial for equipping and motivating troops in conflict areas.

“The establishment of this fund addresses a vital need to ensure our forces are properly aligned to the evolving peace support landscape,” said Duale. He added that Kenya’s involvement in peacekeeping missions brings multiple benefits, including enhanced border security, economic growth, and stronger international cooperation.

The new fund will enable Kenyan defense forces to deploy rapidly with the appropriate equipment and skills in response to emerging security challenges. Duale also emphasized the need for Kenya to work closely with the international community to counter threats like terrorism, armed insurgencies, piracy, and the trafficking of weapons.

Defence Ministry Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru noted that the fund would improve the preparedness and skills of Kenyan troops through modern technology and sustainable financing. Mariru stressed the importance of partnerships and peer learning in building a peacekeeping force that can be deployed quickly to restore stability in conflict-prone areas.

Kenya Defense Force (KDF) Chief Francis Ogolla added that the national peace operations fund would enhance the operational capability and readiness of troops as they face rapidly evolving security threats across various missions.

Kenya has launched a national peace support operations fund aimed at ensuring that its troops deployed to regional and global conflict zones are adequately equipped and resourced. The initiative, approved by the Cabinet in October 2023, is part of Kenya’s commitment to promoting peace and stability abroad, according to Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

Speaking at the fund’s launch in Nairobi, Duale emphasized its importance in supporting Kenya’s national defense strategy by ensuring that troops are well-prepared for the complexities of modern peace support missions. He highlighted that resource constraints had previously affected Kenya’s contributions to international peacekeeping efforts, making domestic resource mobilization crucial for equipping and motivating troops in conflict areas.

“The establishment of this fund addresses a vital need to ensure our forces are properly aligned to the evolving peace support landscape,” said Duale. He added that Kenya’s involvement in peacekeeping missions brings multiple benefits, including enhanced border security, economic growth, and stronger international cooperation.

The new fund will enable Kenyan defense forces to deploy rapidly with the appropriate equipment and skills in response to emerging security challenges. Duale also emphasized the need for Kenya to work closely with the international community to counter threats like terrorism, armed insurgencies, piracy, and the trafficking of weapons.

Defence Ministry Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru noted that the fund would improve the preparedness and skills of Kenyan troops through modern technology and sustainable financing. Mariru stressed the importance of partnerships and peer learning in building a peacekeeping force that can be deployed quickly to restore stability in conflict-prone areas.

Kenya Defense Force (KDF) Chief Francis Ogolla added that the national peace operations fund would enhance the operational capability and readiness of troops as they face rapidly evolving security threats across various missions.