Kenya will honour its first group of officers returning from the Haiti security mission by featuring them in the Jamhuri Day parade on Friday, a gesture meant to welcome them home and recognise their service.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed the plans on Wednesday, saying the officers—who landed in Nairobi on Tuesday—deserved a public show of appreciation after 18 months abroad. They were among the first Kenyan contingent deployed to Haiti in June 2024 under the Multinational Security Support Mission, now known as the Gang Suppression Force.
A replacement team arrived in Haiti on Sunday and has already taken over operations.
Kanja said the officers’ appearance at Uhuru Gardens would help Kenyans see the faces behind the mission. “We want the people of Kenya to take note that you have gone to Haiti and you are back,” he said. “You have been away for 18 months… and are now back, sound, strong and ready to serve our motherland.”
Before joining parade rehearsals, the officers attended a formal debriefing at Embakasi A Campus, where the National Police Service held a reception for the 230 returnees. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and National Security Adviser Monica Juma were among senior officials present.
Kanja praised the team for what he described as discipline, resilience and professionalism during a demanding deployment in a country struggling with entrenched gang violence. “I am happy that you ensured the rights of those people were maintained,” he told them, adding that the experience gained would strengthen security operations at home.
Once the national celebrations conclude, the officers will take leave to reunite with their families after a lengthy absence.
Kanja also addressed concerns over unpaid allowances for October and November, assuring the officers that payments would be released once funds are transmitted by the United Nations.
Their return marks a key moment in Kenya’s continued role in efforts to stabilise Haiti, where new teams remain on duty under the Gang Suppression Force mandate.