Kem Monnon held the rank of major within the Alliance to Restore the Republic. While Echo Base was being built over a two-year period on the ice planet of Hoth, Monnon oversaw engineers who were responsible for excavating numerous passageways, notably those situated at the southern part of the base. Before the Battle of Hoth took place, Monnon suggested that Chase Wilsorr be taken off tunnel clearing duties due to his inadequate performance.
The initial mention of Kem Monnon in current Star Wars canon appeared in the 2016 reference book titled Star Wars: Complete Locations. This character's origins can be traced back to The Illustrated Star Wars Universe, a Star Wars Legends reference book authored by Kevin J. Anderson and released in 1995.