- They also get dedicated counselling and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder or related conditions.
- The benefits, the bill states, shall be promptly provided to a military veteran who requires them and shall not be withheld.
Image: CHETI PRAXIDES
Kenyans will be forced to dig deeper into their pockets to support retired military officers if a bill providing for their welfare and benefits is enacted.
Senators have reintroduced the Military Veterans Bill, 2021, in a fresh push that would see former Kenya Defence Forces officers draw benefits from the state.
The proposed law sponsored by ODM nominated Senator Judith Pareno gives ex-soldiers and their dependants immense benefits – all catered for by the taxpayer.
“Military veterans after rendering important services to this Nation, to a large extent, are left to fend for themselves once they leave military service,” Pareno said.
“In most cases, this causes them serious social and economic problems. Their misery is compounded if they suffer health complications arising from their service in the military.”
The bill requires that besides pension and gratuity, the state shall also facilitate health care services, housing and education for the officers and their dependants.
The bill states that the national and county governments will facilitate employment as well as business opportunities for former KDF officers.
“The Cabinet Secretary and the county executive committee members shall put in place measures to facilitate the access by military veterans and their dependants to the benefits,” the Bill states.
The former officers will also be compensated for any job-related injuries, psychological trauma or a terminal disease resulting from their participation in military activities.
They also get dedicated counselling and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder or related conditions.
The benefits, the bill states, shall be promptly provided to a military veteran who requires them and shall not be withheld.
“The benefits may be paid or provided to a military veteran by the department responsible for the affairs of military veterans, any other organ of the Stater any other person as shall be determined,” the bill reads.
It states that the defence Cabinet Secretary shall compile a priority list of needs of military veterans in relation to their benefits in order to plan and structure operations for purposes of the fulfilment of those needs.
Pareno said the benefits shall ensure a smooth and seamless transition for military veterans from active military service to civilian life.
It will also recognise and honour military veterans in life and remembering them in death for their sacrifices on behalf of the nation, the bill states.
“Except for a benefit which is medical in nature, a military veteran or a dependant of a military veteran eligible for a benefit shall make an application to the Cabinet Secretary for the payment or provision of the benefit,” it states.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)