Challenges and opportunities of Kenya's role in international peacekeeping

By Robert Mutasi

When you mention countries that have been on the forefront in restoring peace in the war torned countries, eventually, Kenya will be in the lists of forerunners.

From their neighboring countries, East Africa, West Africa and Central Africa and to the world Kenya has sent security forces to curb the insecurities and restore tranquility.

The United Nations Security Council has been working closely with Kenya aiming to achieve their goals of peace and unity among UN members.

Recently, Kenya Police officers were sent to Haiti to combat the criminal groups that are in war with Haitian government.

President William Ruto in collaboration with the UN Security Council agreed to sent more than 1000 in Haiti to fight against Viv Ansanm gang, led by Jimmy Cherizier aka Barbecue.

In addition, the UN extended the police mission in Haiti to October 2, 2025. The advantages Kenya gains in sending her security officers to other countries to keep peace is not enormous compared to disadvantages.

First, Kenya by sending their security forces, creates good diplomatic Relations with those nations in terms of security, trade and other areas.

It gets support from the UN when in need and also recognition to the world in terms of restoration of peace. Kenya security officers promote stability to the nation's that are in conflicts and enable long term peace.

Security forces offer protection to the civilians and other vulnerable groups against violence. However, this comes with several challenges amidst peace keeping internationally.

A lot of resources are being exhausted and drained since it is costly for Kenya to deploy the officers.

Funds that are supposed to be invested in the meaningful project are used in deployment of the police.

Kenyan police themselves can be the casualties while exposed to the extreme environments that are in potential attack by the gangs.

Lengthy procedures in terms of agreement with different parties since some are willing to cooperate and others are unwilling.

Sadly, when Kenyan police are in the forefront of keeping peace and restoring security, this criminal groups may turn against Kenya through invasion as a revenge thus causing insecurity.

One of the main reasons why there are some incidents that are crime-related are caused due to Kenya deploying her security agents to other countries.

Another challenge is that Kenya is deploying police to other countries and yet her internal security is not stable, they should start by solving domestic problems before going beyond.

It is not bad for any country to send police officers to restore peace to other countries but do not go beyond boundaries.