Billions for reimbursement or readiness? Questions linger over KDF's budget priorities
the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking Sh5.5 billion—not primarily to improve troop welfare or upgrade military capabilities, but to ensure compliance with United Nations equipment standards in order to qualify for Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) reimbursements.
As Kenya prepares to continue readying its troops under the newly restructured African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), a glaring question looms: Is the government more interested in United Nations reimbursements than in equipping its forces for real battlefield readiness?
A supplementary budget document presented to Parliament and seen by The Eastleigh Voice reveals that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking Sh5.5 billion—not primarily to improve troop welfare or upgrade military capabilities, but to ensure compliance with United Nations equipment standards in order to qualify for Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) reimbursements.
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What is Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) Reimbursement?
The United Nations reimburses troop-contributing countries (TCCs) for military or police equipment they provide in peace missions.
This is known as Contingent Owned Equipment (COE).
To qualify, the equipment—such as vehicles, tents, generators, and communication tools—must meet UN standards outlined in the Statement of Unit Requirements (SUR).
If compliant, countries receive regular payments for use, wear, and maintenance.
The document acknowledges that Kenya's current military hardware is well below the UN's Statement of Unit Requirement (SUR) due to prolonged deployment in Somalia and budget strain.
Rather than confronting this as a matter of national security, the response appears administrative: meet the UN's checklist, get reimbursed.
Troops in harm's way
Yet this funding request comes amid growing concerns over Kenya's over-stretched and under-equipped deployments—both in Somalia and in Haiti, where police officers are now paying the ultimate price in a complex, asymmetrical conflict.
If the goal is readiness, the public is left wondering: Where is the transparency on how these funds will directly benefit the troops?
What portion will translate into modern protective gear, armored vehicles, surveillance drones, tactical training, and proper nutrition for soldiers in the field?
An uncomfortable pattern
The MoD's pattern of delayed modernisation and reactive budgeting has repeatedly left Kenyan forces playing catch-up.
With the end of ATMIS and the dawn of AUSOM, Kenya has a chance to reset—but only if it sees its troops not just as units to deploy but as lives to protect.
Critically, this Sh5.5 billion should not be seen as a mere paper chase for UN refunds.
It must be accounted for through a public, trackable, and soldier-first framework, according to military sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
"The required funding of Sh5.5 billion is to facilitate the initial logistic requirement for deployment and take full opportunity of equipment reimbursements," read the report submitted in March.
It added, "The requested amount will be recouped through reimbursements by the UN for the deployed units that go directly to MoD."
Parliament must step in
As the National Assembly reviews this budget request, lawmakers have long been accused of complicity and lack of oversight every time they summon defence officials.
The defence leadership has also long failed to explain not just the figures but the philosophy behind such schemes.
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