Nairobi — Kenya and the United States of America reaffirmed their robust diplomatic, economic, and security partnership during an event to honor Kenyan officers who served in the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
The ceremony was held at the National Police College, Embakasi 'A' Campus in Nairobi on Wednesday where Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the deep ties between Kenya and the United States, noting that the partnership is built on shared democratic values, mutual respect, and strong security cooperation.
"We are grateful for the immense support of the US Government towards the success of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti," Murkomen said.
The gathering brought together senior officials from both countries, including US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Susan M. Burns, Kenya's National Security Advisor Monica Juma, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and senior officers from the Kenya Police Service (KPS) and Administration Police Service (APS).
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The ceremony recognized the gallant efforts of Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti under a multinational security mission aimed at helping restore peace and stability in the Caribbean nation.
The mission has been at the forefront of tackling insecurity driven by armed gangs, which have contributed to widespread violence and humanitarian challenges.
During his remarks, Murkomen highlighted the professionalism and sacrifice of Kenyan officers, thanking them for putting their lives on the line to promote peace, uphold human rights, and protect civilians.
"We celebrate these valiant patriotic Kenyans who put their lives on the line to restore humanity, peace, and stability in Haiti. Their heroic service exemplifies the professionalism of our Police Service and Kenya's unwavering commitment to regional and global peace," he said.
According to Murkomen, the mission made notable gains in Haiti, including restoring public order in key urban areas, especially in and around Port-au-Prince, securing critical infrastructure, which had been compromised amid surging gang violence and reopening major roads and transport corridors that were previously blocked or unsafe.
He also reiterated Kenya's ongoing role in the newly constituted Gang Suppression Force, a unit working collaboratively with international partners to dismantle organised crime networks that threaten security and stability in Haiti.
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The event underscored the strategic nature of Kenya-US security cooperation, with both countries working closely on training, equipping, and capacity building for Kenyan security personnel.
Murkomen specifically acknowledged the United States Government's support not only in enabling the success of the Haiti mission but also in strengthening Kenya's overall policing and security architecture.
Officials from both countries reiterated the importance of sustaining this bilateral security partnership, especially in areas of intelligence sharing, operational cooperation, and joint training programs.
