Defence Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, revealed the compensation granted to families of fallen Kenyan Defense Force (KDF) soldiers in a statement before the Senate on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
The families of soldiers who lost their lives while serving their country have been compensated with a total of Ksh.11.4 million. This initiative aims to provide some financial relief to the bereaved families, acknowledging the significant sacrifice made by the soldiers.
Speaking before the Senate, Duale explained that the compensation varies depending on the circumstances of the soldier’s death. Families receive Ksh.4 million if the soldier dies within the country.
If the soldier dies during the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), they receive an additional USD 50,000 (Ksh.7.4 million), bringing the total to Ksh.11.4 million.
“The compensation is disbursed to the family within a week after the death of the soldier. Families who have lost their loved ones are entitled to a compensation package that includes financial support, promptly disbursed within a week,” Duale added.
Duale also shared plans to enhance the readiness and protection of the KDF by building more training bases near the borders. The government is also investing heavily in modern equipment for KDF, including armoured vehicles to protect troops from IEDs.
This is part of a broader effort to modernize the country’s security forces, from intelligence services to the police.
The announcement came as survivors and families of victims of past attacks, including the 1998 attack on the American embassy in Nairobi, renewed their demands for reparations.
The bombing, claimed by al Qaeda, resulted in over 5,000 injuries and the death of 213 people, mostly passers-by or office workers in buildings adjacent to the embassy.
The memories of such incidents are still fresh in people’s minds, highlighting the significant risks and sacrifices made by those serving in the defense forces.
While the announced compensation provides some relief, many families of fallen soldiers still face significant challenges. The loss of their primary breadwinners has forced many to change their lifestyles drastically.
They have been waiting for the promised government assistance, with some expressing frustration at the delay. The compensation is a crucial lifeline for these families, helping them adjust to life after their devastating loss.
