How government compensates KDF officers who die in line of duty

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. [Samson Wire. Standard]

Families of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers who die in the line of duty in Somali are compensated a total Sh11.4 million, Defence Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale has revealed.

The families of the soldiers first get Sh4 million from the government, sent within 30 days of their demise, then get an extra 50,000 USD (Sh7,425,000) from African Union and the United Nations.

Duale made the revelation while appearing before Senators on Wednesday, October 4.

"If the officer is serving within our country, he or she only gets Sh4 million above their pension which has a component called death gratuity," he said.

"The problem comes if there is a family dispute. The money will not be accessible," Duale added.

The Cabinet Secretary said the government is taking measures to protect the lives of officers on duty.

"The government is investing in buying armoured vehicles that will protect troops from the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). We will also use other technologies that can detect when an IED is planted on a road," said Duale.

Last month, two officers died and five others were injured after suspected Al-Shabaab militants set up an IED on the road targeting a police vehicle that was ferrying officers from the Quick Response Unit (QRU).