NAIROBI, Kenya- The fourth contingent of 150 officers from the National Police Service has returned home from the Haiti Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday evening.
The officers were received by senior security officials in a brief ceremony marking the latest phase of Kenya’s gradual drawdown from the international mission in the Caribbean nation.
The contingent, comprising 150 personnel, departed Haiti on Monday night aboard a Kenya Airways flight following nearly two years of deployment under the Kenya-led MSS mission, which was sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council to help restore order in the gang-ravaged country.
The returning team was led by Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, who had been in Haiti for high-level engagements with both Kenyan officers and local authorities.
Gradual drawdown
The latest arrival brings the number of Kenyan officers who have returned home from Haiti to over 650, as the government continues a phased withdrawal of its personnel.
Earlier rotations saw:
- 230 officers return in December 2025
- 215 officers in March 2026
- 208 officers later in March
The mission, launched in 2024, saw Kenyan officers play a central role in supporting the Haitian National Police in combating gang violence and stabilising key infrastructure, including airports, seaports, and major transport corridors.
Mission impact
During their deployment, Kenyan officers were involved in joint patrols and security operations aimed at restoring order in Haiti, where armed gangs have controlled large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The MSS mission, later transitioned into a broader international force, was part of global efforts to address Haiti’s deepening security crisis, which has displaced thousands and crippled essential services.
The return of the fourth contingent signals the near conclusion of Kenya’s role in the mission, which has drawn both praise for its leadership and scrutiny over risks faced by officers on the ground.
Authorities say the phased return will continue until all deployed personnel are back in the country.
