By Andrew Kariuki

Kenya has formally concluded its role in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, with the withdrawal of the final contingent of 150 officers marking the end of the deployment.

The officers, deployed under the Kenya-led mission, served alongside the Haiti National Police and other international forces, securing key installations including the airport, seaport, and major transport corridors.

During the mission, the contingent also helped restore state presence in previously inaccessible areas and supported the reopening of essential services such as schools, hospitals, and businesses.

The final phase of the mission was overseen during engagements held with Haitian authorities and members of the diplomatic community at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince.

The drawdown signals a transition from the MSS framework to a new security structure, the Gang Suppression Force, which will take over ongoing stabilisation efforts.

Kenyan officials emphasised that despite the conclusion of the mission, the country remains committed to supporting Haiti and to broader multilateral efforts aimed at maintaining global peace and security.

Among those present during the transition were Haiti’s Defence Minister Mario Andrésol, Director General of the Haitian National Police André Jonas Vladimir Paraison, and Gang Suppression Force Special Representative Jack Christofides.

The Kenyan delegation included Inspector General Douglas Kanja and National Security Advisor Joseph Boinett.