Kenyan Police Complete Haiti Mission as Final Contingent Returns Home
It will collaborate closely with the Haitian National Police and the Haitian Armed Forces to carry out targeted operations against criminal gangs, protect key infrastructure, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Kenyan officers under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) arrive from Haiti on March 17, 2026. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The last group of Kenyan police officers who served in Haiti during the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission have returned to their homeland, which marks the end of Kenya’s participation in Caribbean nation stabilization efforts. The second group of officers arrived in the country on Tuesday evening to complete their deployment, which had been established to bring peace back to Haiti.
Kenya took a leading role in the international peacekeeping effort, which began in 2024 following authorization by the United Nations Security Council. The mission brought together personnel from several countries, with Kenyan officers working alongside counterparts from Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Canada. Their collective goal was to assist in curbing escalating gang violence and restoring security, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The officers received their welcome from Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo together with the present group of senior security officials. Omollo praised the returning personnel because they displayed dedication together with resilience and professional excellence while performing their duties in an environment that combined hazardous conditions with challenging work. The officers-maintained discipline and showed bravery based on Omollo’s comments, which stated that they developed through challenging conditions while serving their country throughout the mission.
The reception included a memorial service, which honored three Kenyan officers who died during their time in Haiti. The government decided to maintain its commitment for supporting the families of the fallen officers, who had sacrificed their lives during their duty.
The deployment had been carried out in phases, with approximately 980 Kenyan officers sent to Haiti over time. Their primary task was to support efforts to dismantle powerful gangs that had seized control of large parts of Port-au-Prince, contributing to widespread instability and humanitarian challenges.
The first group of Kenyan officers had returned earlier, on December 9, 2025, after completing an 18-month tour. The return of the second and final contingent now signals the end of Kenya’s direct participation in the MSS mission.
The United Nations Security Council has established a new resolution, which requires the transition from the MSS framework to the implementation of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) initiative. The GSF will operate with a maximum capacity of 5,500 uniformed personnel who will include police officers and military officers, while starting its operations for a duration of 12 months.
The new force has received support from several countries, including the United States, Panama, and other international and regional partners, particularly from the Caribbean. It will collaborate closely with the Haitian National Police and the Haitian Armed Forces to carry out targeted operations against criminal gangs, protect key infrastructure, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Kenya declared its ongoing support for Haiti while its direct deployment in the region reached completion through its continuous assistance to international partners who aim to sustain and extend peacebuilding programs which unify national security and societal development.
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