Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli on Monday visited Kenyan police officers deployed in Haiti under the Multinational Security Support mission, as the operation enters its final drawdown phase ahead of a transition to a United Nations-backed framework.
The visit highlights Kenya role in ongoing international efforts to stabilise Haiti, where armed gangs have disrupted public order and weakened state institutions.
The mission, which began in mid-2024, is now being restructured into a new formation known as the Gang Suppression Force following approval under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2793 of 2025.
Masengeli was received at the operational base by Contingent Commander Godfrey Otunge. Also present were United States Chargé d’Affaires in Haiti David Howell, Kenya Consular General in Haiti Noor Gabow and Kenya Deputy Ambassador to the United States Robert Wasike.
During the visit, the deputy inspector general received a briefing on operational milestones achieved by the Kenya-led contingent. These included joint security operations with the Haitian National Police, protection of critical infrastructure such as ports and airports and stabilisation efforts in gang-affected areas.
Drawdown and transition efforts
Officials said the briefing also covered the gradual drawdown process currently underway, alongside progress made in restoring security and supporting institutional rebuilding in Haiti. The National Police Service noted that the mission has recorded gains in pacification and stabilisation efforts led by Kenyan officers.
Masengeli commended the officers for their performance, describing their conduct as professional and resilient throughout the nearly two-year deployment. He conveyed greetings from Inspector General Douglas Kanja and acknowledged the support of the Kenyan public.
The visit coincided with the continued phased withdrawal of Kenyan personnel. Masengeli witnessed the departure of 150 officers, part of an ongoing reduction in troop numbers as the mission approaches its conclusion.
The latest drawdown follows earlier rotations, including the return of 208 officers in March after completing their assignments. Senior officers present during the visit included General Service Unit Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, Recce Company Commanding Officer William Sawe and Administration Police Service aide-de-camp Grace Kamau.
Kenyan officers have played a key role in supporting Haitian authorities through security operations and capacity building. This includes training initiatives at the Haiti National Police Academy and efforts aimed at strengthening local policing institutions.
The Multinational Security Support mission is formally transitioning into the United Nations-backed Gang Suppression Force, expected to comprise about 5,500 personnel from multiple contributing countries. The restructured mission is designed to build on gains made under the Kenya-led deployment while expanding international support for long-term stabilisation.
The transition reflects a broader strategy to address Haiti security crisis through coordinated multilateral engagement. Officials say the new framework will enhance operational capacity and provide sustained backing for Haitian institutions.
As the drawdown continues, Kenyan authorities maintain that the mission has achieved key objectives in improving security conditions and supporting Haiti path toward stability. The shift to a United Nations-led framework marks the next phase in that effort, with Kenya expected to remain a central contributor.
