Kenya marked an important moment on Tuesday, December 9, when the first group of police officers who had been serving in Haiti arrived back home.
Their return brought to a close an 18-month peacekeeping assignment that began under the Multi-National Security Support Mission and later shifted to the Gang Suppression Force.
These officers had been deployed in June 2024 with the aim of helping restore stability, improving movement across affected areas, and supporting the training of the Haitian Police. Their mission formed part of a wider international effort to assist a country facing deep security challenges.
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, families, officials, and colleagues gathered to receive the returning officers.
The reception was led by National Security Advisor Ambassador Monica Juma, who guided the nation in observing a solemn moment of silence for those who did not make it back.
Her remarks focused on the courage shown by the officers and the importance of honouring their service.
It was a reminder of the risks involved in peacekeeping work and the sacrifices made along the way.During the ceremony, the officers were thanked for their contributions while in Haiti.
Among the accomplishments highlighted were the reopening of key road networks, which had previously been inaccessible due to gang activity, and the noticeable improvements in local security.
They also played a central role in training and strengthening the capacity of the Haitian Police, a task considered vital to the long-term stability of the country.
Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat, praised the officers for maintaining discipline, integrity, and professionalism throughout their time abroad. He noted that the experience gained would be valuable to Kenya’s own police operations going forward.
The Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli, also spoke at the reception. He expressed gratitude to President William Ruto and to the mission partners who supported the deployment.
He pointed out that the work done by the officers had strengthened Kenya’s international reputation as a country willing to contribute to global peace and security.
The team was accompanied home by Deputy National Security Advisor and former Inspector General Joseph Boinnet, together with Kenya’s Consul-General in Port-au-Prince, Noor Gabow.
Even as the first group returned, the mission in Haiti continued to move forward. Just a day earlier, on Monday, December 8, another team of Kenyan police officers landed in Port-au-Prince to reinforce ongoing security operations under the Gang Suppression Force.
This new group of 230 specialised officers arrived at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, where they were received by Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council President, Laurent Saint-Cyr, along with senior Haitian officials.
They are expected to work closely with the Haitian National Police and the military in efforts aimed at dismantling gangs operating in the country.
Their arrival comes at a time when violence in Haiti has been on the rise, with attacks spreading across Port-au-Prince and nearby regions such as Artibonite.
In recent weeks, gangs have been linked to killings in areas like Pont-Sondé, where at least 20 people lost their lives. Armed groups continue to carry out kidnappings, burn homes, and block major roads, actions that have forced more than 1.4 million people from their homes.
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