JUBA, South Sudan — Kenyan police officers serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been awarded United Nations Service of Peace Medals in recognition of their contribution to civilian protection and peacebuilding efforts.
The medals were presented during a ceremony held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the UNMISS compound in Juba.
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, in remarks delivered on his behalf by the Kenyan Contingent Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police Mbatian Kantai, commended the officers for their professionalism, discipline, and dedication while operating in a complex and high-risk environment.
The Inspector-General said the Kenyan contingent had made a significant contribution to the UNMISS mandate through the protection of civilians, facilitation of humanitarian assistance, securing key installations, and supporting community-level peace initiatives.
“You have facilitated humanitarian assistance, protected key sites, and fostered dialogue at the grassroots level,” the Inspector-General said in his message.
“Through your daily actions, you have embodied the core principle of UNMISS, which is the protection of civilians and the building of durable peace.”
A total of 27 Kenyan police officers received the medals for their service as part of the International Police Component of UNMISS.
The awards were presented by the Officer-in-Charge, Police Commissioner Jeremiah Togba Massaqoui, who served as the guest of honour at the ceremony.
The event brought together senior UNMISS leadership, members of the diplomatic community, and other distinguished guests, reflecting the continued partnership between Kenya and the United Nations in advancing peace and stability in South Sudan.
Among those in attendance were the representative of the Kenyan Ambassador, Benedict Watamba; retired Major General Aggrey Owino, who chairs the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC); senior UNPOL leadership; and Kenya’s Defence Attaché in South Sudan, Colonel Martin Owino.
Some of the officers recognised included UNMISS UNPOL Gender Adviser Millicent Alambo, SSP, and the UNPOL Team Leader of the Anti-Cattle Raiding Specialised Police Team, Kioko Munyambu, SSP.
Other recipients included Magongo Amadiva, SSP, Kipsang Kipkazi, SP, and Silas Kiptoo, ASP, among others involved in specialised policing, protection of civilians, and community-focused interventions within the mission.
The award of the medals marks a milestone for the Kenyan contingent and reinforces the National Police Service’s commitment to international peacekeeping operations.
Kenya remains a key contributor to UN peace missions, with its police and military personnel deployed in various conflict and post-conflict settings to support stability, rule of law, and civilian protection.
