The first batch of Kenyan troops landed in the Democratic Republic of Congo's city of Goma to participate in the East African Community's Regional Force, early this month. The declared objective is to pacify the volatile eastern part of the troubled country.
The Kenyan government has not sufficiently explained the real national interests behind its decision to take a lead role in a combat mission that could lead to loss of lives. This is particularly jarring because the public will foot the bill. Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the operation could cost Sh4.5 billion in six months, which could balloon into Sh7.2 billion in a year.