Kenyan police officers in Haiti to return home after year-long deployment
These officers, who had previously undergone specialised training, were recalled Thursday to the GSU Training School for final briefings and preparation for departure.
Kenyan police officers serving in Haiti are set to return home, with the last contingent of roughly 400 personnel scheduled to depart next week.
Officials said this group will be replaced by another team that will fly out on a chartered plane, ensuring continuity in operations.
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Their return marks the end of a year-long Multinational Security Support (MSS) deployment, during which Kenya played a leading role in supporting the Haitian National Police (HNP) in controlling the growing threat of gang violence.
These officers are part of a total deployment of about 800 personnel stationed in Haiti since June 2024.
The initial deployment included 400 officers in the first contingent and 200 in the second, drawn from Kenya’s elite police units, the General Service Unit (GSU), Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) of the Administration Police.
Force commander Geoffrey Otunge led the mission from the beginning. Ahead of the withdrawal, a team of about 170 officers will leave Kenya this weekend to relieve the first and second contingents.
These officers, who had previously undergone specialised training, were recalled Thursday to the GSU Training School for final briefings and preparation for departure.
Meanwhile, officers from the main camp in Port-au-Prince were redeployed Thursday to the Port-de-Paix base to temporarily hold key positions as the returning team moves to the capital before heading back to Nairobi.
The rotation is intended to maintain a seamless security presence and prevent gaps that gangs could exploit, according to officials familiar with the plan.
The MSS deployment was authorised by a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution in October 2023, reflecting international concern over Haiti’s security crisis.
Over the past year, Kenyan officers participated in joint patrols, secured critical locations, and trained Haitian police personnel, helping to create safer conditions for residents and humanitarian organisations.
Their professionalism has been widely recognised by Haitian authorities and international partners. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen noted that the experience gained will also assist Kenya in addressing gang-related issues at home.
The officers’ departure follows a new UNSC resolution establishing a Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to continue stabilisation efforts.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed Kenya’s contribution, saying the country had “carried a huge burden” for nearly two years as the lead nation in supporting Haiti.
“Our gratitude for the role they have played is extraordinary,” he added, noting that the progress achieved by Kenya would form the foundation for the next phase of Washington’s strategy in the country.
The GSF marks Haiti’s third major international security intervention since 1994, after Operation Uphold Democracy (1994–95) and the UN Stabilisation Mission (2004–2017), the latter criticised for cholera introduction and human rights issues.
Unlike its predecessor, the GSF has a more proactive mandate, is initially set for one year, and could expand to 5,550 personnel.
The force will work with Haitian authorities to neutralise gangs, combat arms trafficking, secure key infrastructure, and create conditions suitable for national elections.
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