The Kenyan government has called on the UN to reimburse it 98 million U.S. dollars for peacekeeping efforts in Somalia where its soldiers launched cross border incursion in October 2011.

The Cabinet which met in Nairobi late on Thursday said the UN had agreed to pay the East African nation 132 million dollars but has only paid 28.7 million dollars being the expenses incurred during the Kenya Defense Forces (KEF) peacekeeping mission in the Horn of Africa nation.

"The Cabinet however called on the United Nations to urgently reimburse Kenya for its expenses incurred during the mission," said the statement issued after the Cabinet.

"It was noted that Kenya had only gotten a reimbursement of K2. 5 billion shillings (28.8 million U.S. dollars) out of an amount of 11 billion shillings (132 million U.S. dollars)."

The KDF which is part of the Africa Union Mission Peacekeeping Mission (AMISOM) forces that have been strategizing for ways of setting up an all inclusive local administration to run the port city said the soldiers are still continuing with efforts to stabilize security situation in Kismayo.

The East African nation has been involved in efforts to bring stability and peace to its Somalia, its northern neighbor, with Kenyan troops serving in the AMISOM, which along with government and allied forces, has been liberating large parts of Somalia from the control of Al-Shabaab militants, as well as progress on its political front.

Kenyan officials say they have been encouraged by recent political developments in Somalia, particularly the selection of a new President, Prime Minister and Parliament and adoption of a new Constitution.

The Thursday meeting which was chaired by President Mwai Kibaki pointed out that the funds were required to finance urgent social and economic development programs in the country.

During the meeting, the Cabinet was briefed on the progress being made by the KDF who are part of the AMISOM Mission in Somalia.

"Cabinet noted the good progress that has been made in restoring peace and order in Somalia, and appreciated the great role of KDF in stabilizing Somalia," the statement said. The Cabinet said the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) should urgently convene a meeting to plan the reconstruction of Somalia and the tackling of the humanitarian challenges facing Somalia.

"An appeal was made to the international community to play their role and help fund the humanitarian support in Somalia," the statement said.

During the meeting, the Cabinet also appealed to the Kenyan people to continue being vigilant and work closely with security agencies to ensure peace and order around the country.

Kenya has also put security in key towns on a high alert following Kenya's military operations in Somalia which sparked threats from the Al-Shabaab group that it will retaliate deep in Kenya.

Kenya says it's ready to extend any possible assistance towards addressing the priority areas identified by the Somali government, noting that this process can be undertaken through the frame work provided by the Joint Commission for Cooperation.

Al-Shabaab militants have vowed to attack Nairobi after the east African nation, which hosted protracted negotiations that culminated in the signing of the federal charter for Somalia in 2005, invaded Somalia to flush out the insurgents it blamed for kidnappings of tourists. Endi

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