The families of Kenyan police officers who die in the line of duty, including those deployed for the ongoing peacekeeping mission in Haiti, are entitled to substantial compensation and long-term financial benefits. These payouts, governed by the National Police Service Act, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), and the Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA) of 2007, aim to cushion bereaved families from financial hardship.
Compensation Breakdown
- Life Insurance Payout
- Families receive a lump sum equivalent to the officer’s salary for eight years.
- Example: An officer earning Ksh50,000 per month would secure Ksh4.8 million for their family (Ksh50,000 × 12 months × 8 years).
- Death Gratuity
- A one-time payment equal to six months’ salary.
- Using the same example, the family would receive Ksh300,000.
- Service-Based Compensation
- Officers with less than one year of service: Twice their annual salary.
- Officers with more than one year of service: Four times their annual salary.
- Funeral and Repatriation Costs
- The government provides between Ksh30,000 and Ksh50,000 for burial expenses.
- For officers who die abroad, including in Haiti, the government fully covers body repatriation costs.
- Pension and Widow/Children Support
- If the officer served more than 10 years, dependents receive a five-year pension equal to their last salary.
- If enrolled in the Widows and Children Pension Scheme (WCPS):
- Widows receive a lifelong pension (unless they remarry).
- Children receive financial support until they turn 18 or 24 if in school.
- Healthcare and Education Benefits
- Free medical care under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
- Free primary and secondary education, plus university tuition waivers.
- Housing Support
- Families receive either government housing or a monthly housing allowance for up to two years.
How to Claim Compensation
Families must provide key documents, including the death certificate, service records, bank details, and proof of dependency (marriage or birth certificates).
The Kenyan government has pledged to support the families of officers who died in Haiti, ensuring they receive their rightful compensation and benefits.
