How KDF stay in Somalia causes extreme budget deficits

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in Somalia. FILE PHOTO | NMG

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] continued to stay in Somalia has caused serious budget deficits to the East African nation, further threatening to ruin the economy of the vibrant country considered to be an economic powerhouse.

KDF first entered Somalia under Operation Linda Nchi in 2011 but would be absorbed to the African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] which is set to transition to ATMIS for an additional 33 months in Somalia.

Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister, and presidential aspirant confessed in London during an address to Chatham House that KDF uses billions of dollars in Somalia, with most coming from the budget which is paid in bits by donors.

The personnel, he noted, uses $3.1 billion annually thus resulting in budget deficits that have wrecked the economy of the country. Raila had previously called for the withdrawal of the soldiers and further repositioning them to the common border.

"We, in Kenya, know the cost of war, and its adverse effects on our economy, as a result of the internal conflicts in our neighboring countries. Our intervention in Somalia, for example, necessary as it is, has been very expensive to us.

"It is estimated that we spend at least 210 million shillings per month [USD2.8 million] in personnel costs alone in a year where we have recorded Ksh236 billion [USD3.1 billion] total budget deficit," stated the former Prime Minister in his address.

In an operation christened Operation Sledgehammer, the Kenyan troops secured the port of Kismayu in October 2012, depriving the Islamist group of key sources of revenue and trade routes.

Both Kenya Defense Forces and the Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] have been working closely with the Somali National Army [SNA] among other partners to secure several parts of the country which are still under Al-Shabaab.

KDF Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Godfrey Owuor, in a past interview, noted that the state was impressed with the officers' progress in Somalia despite mounting calls to have the troops withdrawn.

"We are very impressed by the achievements so far and we believe that when they take the same stride, we will see a completely peaceful Jubaland and Kismayu in the next 10 years," he stated at the time.

Al-Shabaab has been attacking Kenya frequently, especially in Wajir, Garissa, Mandera, and Lamu Counties which border with Somalia. Large-scale attacks have been waged in Garissa University, Dusit D2 among others.

Mr. Odinga also hinted at the return of constitutional reforms, arguing that they are imperative and this would create a political, social, and economic environment in which all Kenyans would feel welcome.

"I am convinced, however, that our Constitution still needs some reforms to make it more effective and reduce the excess administrative baggage that was created in our enthusiasm to protect the people against the harshness of authoritarian rule that had terrorized the people for many years.

"A candid look at the relationship between Parliament and the Executive is vital. The government must be present in Parliament to be accountable directly to the elected leaders and not through proxy civil servants," he stated.

GAROWE ONLINE