NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has honoured its first returning contingent of officers from the Haiti security mission by including them in the Jamhuri Day parade.
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.
Following their return, the government lauded the contingent, which served in the troubled Caribbean nation under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), saying they exceeded expectations despite early criticism and widespread misinformation surrounding their deployment.
The officers were part of the first contingent deployed in Haiti in June 2024.
How the decision to celebrate the Haiti NP officers as heroes was reached
Speaking during their welcoming ceremony in Embakasi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen noted that although met with doubt and misinformation, the officers proved their professionalism and resilience in restoring order and protecting critical infrastructure, giving the people a chance to rebuild their lives.
IG Kanja announced that the officers would be honoured during the Jamhuri Day national celebrations.
“You will join that parade on Friday so that we can tell our fellow Kenyans that these are our officers who have been working in Haiti, and after 18 months, they are back sound, strong and ready to serve our country once again,” said IG Kanja.
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.
Discussion about this post