Kenya’s Police Step Up as Haiti Mission Enters Critical Phase

The Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat, on March 24, 2026, joined Deputy National Security Advisor Joseph Boinet in visiting Kenyan police officers serving in Haiti under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission.

The visit took place in Port-au-Prince at a critical moment when the mission is undergoing a structured drawdown.

During the engagement, officials emphasized that “the MSS is transitioning to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) following United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2793 (2025).”

They noted that, “this drawdown is both strategic and tactical and is expected to result in the gradual phasing out of Kenyan officers as the GSF takes on the mandate to confront armed gangs, restore security, and protect the Haitian people.”

Kenya’s leadership role in the mission over the past two and a half years was highlighted as pivotal.

Officials stated that, “Kenya has been the lead country for the last two and a half years, with tremendous success realised in a country that was completely ungovernable less than two years ago,” adding that, “the previously non-functional international airport and port services have resumed operations, roads have reopened in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other areas that were under the dominance of armed gangs are now pacified and retaken.”

Mission Achievements and Transition Strategy

Authorities further pointed out that, “the Haitian National Police (HNP) continues to regain its enforcement capability; the streets are better manned, and gang dominance is at an all-time low, thanks to the leadership of the National Police Service.”

The transition to the Gang Suppression Force is expected to consolidate these gains while shifting operational responsibility.

In his address, Mr. Boinet conveyed a message from William Samoei Ruto, stating that he, “brought goodwill and best wishes from His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces,” while also sharing, “a collective message of support from the people of Kenya.”

He commended the deployed officers, saying he, “heaped praise on the officers for conducting their duty with professionalism, discipline and commitment,” and also underscored, “the gainful support and collaboration of international partners and for standing firm with the MSS.”

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Calls for Continued Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange

Echoing the sentiments, Mr. Lagat said he “passed greetings to the officers from the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja,” reinforcing institutional support from back home.

He further noted that he, “acknowledged the deepening of collaboration between the National Police Service and the Haitian National Police (HNP) and expressed a wish to see exchange programmes between the NPS and HNP on policing matters in the future for the mutual benefit of the two nations.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Lagat emphasized continuity, stating that, “this was the start of more enhanced collaboration and beneficial partnerships,” and that he was, “looking forward to seeing the returning officers back to duty in our country, utilising the experience gained while on this mission for the good of the Service and the people of Kenya.”

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Security Briefing and High-Level Attendance

Before meeting the officers, the delegation received a comprehensive security briefing.

Officials confirmed that “the DIG and D/NSA were briefed on the current security situation in Haiti by the MSS Commander, Mr. Godfrey Otunge, SAIG, at a closed-door meeting.”

The meeting brought together key international stakeholders, including the Canadian Ambassador to Haiti, Mr. André François Giroux, and the US Deputy Chargé d’Affaires in Haiti, Mr. David W. Howell, signaling continued multinational coordination.

Also present were senior Kenyan security officials, among them the Chief of Staff, APS, Mr. James Kamau, SAIG; and the NPS Director of Corporate Communication/Spokesperson, Mr. Muchiri Nyaga, AIG, underscoring the high-level attention accorded to the mission’s transition phase.

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A photo collage of senior security officials led by security adviser from Kenya Joseph Boinet on the left and security personnel to the Haiti mission on the right. PHOTO/ NPS