NAIROBI, Kenya – The first contingent of officers deployed to Haiti in June 2024 has returned home after completing its tour of duty.
The group comprising 230 National Police Service (NPS) officers touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) aboard a chartered Kenya Airways flight on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, marking a smooth transition following the scheduled changeover.
During the reception ceremony, the chief guest, Amb. Dr. Monica Juma, the National Security Advisor to the President, led attendees in observing a solemn moment of silence in honour of the officers who did not make it home safely.
She affirmed that their sacrifice will forever remain part of the Nation’s distinguished legacy. Ambassador Juma further expressed gratitude to the National carrier, Kenya Airways, for its dependable service in facilitating the mission’s travel requirements.
Welcoming the team on behalf of the Inspector General of the NPS, DIG-Kenya Police Service (KPS) Eliud Lagat commended the officers for their dedication, assuring them that their contribution will continue to bear meaningful impact.
On his part, DIG–Administration Police Service (APS) Gilbert Masengeli also conveyed appreciation to President William Ruto and the entire leadership of the National Police Service for placing confidence in the officers to execute such a vital international assignment. He lauded the returning team for carrying out their duties with honour, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to peace.
“Welcome back, our heroes!” APS said in a statement.
Earlier, news9.africa reported that a contingent of 230 elite NPS officers departed the country to join the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti.
Who saw off the latest NPS contingent to Haiti at JKIA
The officers were officially flagged off yesterday, Monday, December 8, 2025, by Amb. Dr. Juma, who was accompanied by senior officers from the National Police Service, including DIG Lagat and DIG Masengeli.
The officers, drawn from various NPS formations and units, will reinforce contingents already on the ground as part of the GSF. They will join personnel from other participating nations, including Jamaica, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Bahamas, and Belize.
Amb. Dr Juma conveyed a message of goodwill from President William Samoei Ruto. She encouraged the deploying officers to be exemplary ambassadors and praised the substantial progress already made in Haiti.
She noted that joint patrols with the Haitian National Police (HNP) have successfully increased stability and led to arrests in gang-controlled areas such as Downtown Port-au-Prince, Ganthier, and Delmas.
Also present at the flag-off were the Deputy NSA and former Inspector General, Joseph Boinnet; the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU), Ranson Lolmodooni, SAIG; and the Commandant of the National Police College Embakasi ‘A’ Campus, Isaac Alimaa, SAIG.
Others were the Director of Operations, APS, Jackson Kangani, SAIG; the Commanding Officer of the National Police Service College Embakasi ‘B’ Campus, William Samoei, AIG; and the Kenya Airways Chief Operating Officer, Kamal George, among other senior officials.
The issue in Haiti is still getting worse a year after the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission was established there.
Why the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission appears challenging
The mission continues to encounter significant obstacles in terms of funding, institutional articulation and coordination with local authorities, and a potential resurgence of political resistance in Nairobi. Additionally, gangs have strengthened their authority and geographical control.
The mission’s goal is to assist the Haitian National Police (HNP) in putting an end to the bloodshed and re-establishing security.
As part of the intended multinational force, Kenya has sent some 800 police personnel to Port-au-Prince since June 2024.
However, the MSS is in a precarious position due to the standstill of international aid and the political realignment in the United States.
The Kenyan deployment remains questionable while a plan for a peacekeeping mission under the Organisation of American States’ auspices is being explored.
To ultimately establish the mission’s operational and tactical foundations, reconsider its cooperation with the HNP, and enable it to react to the situation in Haiti, which is on the verge of collapse, a strategic redesign is needed in addition to immediate financial support.
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