Kenya has begun withdrawing its police officers from Haiti, marking a significant shift in the multinational effort to stabilise the Caribbean nation as 150 officers depart under a phased drawdown of the security mission.
The exit is part of the transition from the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission to a United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force established under Security Council Resolution 2793 2025. The mission, deployed in mid-2024, has supported Haitian authorities in confronting entrenched gang violence that has destabilised key urban centres.
Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli visited Haiti to oversee the drawdown process and engage officers still deployed. He was received at the operational base by Contingent Commander Godfrey Otunge alongside senior diplomatic and security officials.
Among those present were United States Chargé d’Affaires in Haiti David Howell, Kenya Consular General Noor Gabow and Deputy Ambassador to the United States Robert Wasike. The delegation was briefed on operational progress including joint security operations with the Haitian National Police and protection of critical infrastructure.
Over 800 officers exit as mission shifts to UN force
Masengeli commended the officers for their professionalism and resilience, conveying appreciation from Inspector General Douglas Kanja and the Government of Kenya. He said the mission had demonstrated discipline under complex and high-risk conditions.
The latest withdrawal brings the total number of Kenyan officers who have exited Haiti to 803 following earlier rotations. In March, 208 officers returned to Kenya after completing their deployment cycle under the mission framework.
Those officers were received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by senior officials including National Security Adviser Monica Juma and Inspector General Kanja, underscoring the significance of Kenya role in the international operation.
Senior officers involved in the mission include General Service Unit Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, Recce Company Commanding Officer William Sawe and Administration Police Service aide-de-camp Grace Kamau.
Throughout its deployment, the mission has focused on securing strategic infrastructure such as ports, airports and major road networks while facilitating humanitarian access in areas affected by armed gangs. Kenyan officers have worked closely with Haitian counterparts to restore order in volatile neighbourhoods.
The transition to the Gang Suppression Force marks a broader international effort to stabilise Haiti under a structured United Nations framework. The new force is expected to deploy about 5,500 personnel from multiple contributing countries including Chad.
Haiti continues to face a severe security crisis driven by heavily armed gangs that control large parts of the capital and surrounding regions. The shift to a UN-backed force is expected to strengthen coordination, expand resources and sustain gains made during the Kenya-led mission.
Kenyan authorities maintain that the deployment has played a critical role in improving security conditions despite ongoing challenges. As the drawdown continues, the transition signals a new phase in international engagement aimed at restoring stability and supporting long-term peace efforts in Haiti.
