Kenya, March 14 -- Kenya's ambitious peacekeeping mission in Haiti has emerged as a significant financial burden, costing taxpayers KSh 5 billion and straining the national budget, according to recent government disclosures.

The expenditure, which has accrued over the past nine months, comes at a time when the country is grappling with funding shortages, forcing deep cuts in critical sectors such as health and education.

The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, launched in June 2024 with the deployment of 800 police officers to combat gang violence in Haiti, has already consumed KSh 4.5 billion.

An additional KSh 2.5 billion was recently allocated in Supplementary Estimates II for the 2024/25 financial year, bringing the total cost to KSh 5 billion.

This latest funding request was approved by the National Assembly on Thursday, as part of an Sh88 billion supplementary budget to cover government expenses through June 30.

The mission, endorsed by the UN Security Council but not directly funded by the UN, relies on voluntary contributions from member states.

However, delays in reimbursements and a funding crisis-exacerbated by the United States freezing $13 million (KSh 1.7 billion) in aid under President Donald Trump-have left Kenya shouldering the bulk of the costs.

Treasury officials have maintained that the UN will eventually refund the expenses, but no timeline for reimbursement has been confirmed.

Critics have questioned the government's priorities, pointing to the stark contrast between the Haiti mission's funding and slashed budgets for domestic needs.

The health sector, already reeling from strikes over unpaid dues, faces an Sh11 billion cut to a global fund for malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis programs. Education has also been hit hard, with teachers threatening industrial action over delayed payments.

"This is a reckless use of taxpayer money," said opposition lawmaker James Otieno during a parliamentary session.

"We're pouring billions into a foreign mission while our own people can't access basic healthcare or education."

Meanwhile, government officials defend the mission, arguing it enhances Kenya's global standing and fulfils its international obligations.

President William Ruto has called on the international community to honour funding pledges, warning that the mission's sustainability is at risk without swift action.

"We've shown commitment, but we cannot do this alone," Ruto said in a recent address. The deployment of an additional 600 officers is planned for later this year, further raising concerns about escalating costs.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.