Kenya army to join UN peacekeepers in east DRC

Kenya's military on Sunday said its troops have departed for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to join a United Nations peacekeeping force tasked with calming deadly tensions fuelled by armed groups.

The Kenya Defense Force (KDF) said the first batch of the fourth contingent of the Kenya Quick Reaction Force (KENQRF 4) to the DRC was officially flagged off Saturday, marking the commencement of their peacekeeping mission.

Stephen Kapkory, the base commander of Embakasi Air Base, said the KENQRF 4 will join the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (Monusco), which is focused on stabilising the eastern regions of the DRC where armed groups continue to cause instability.

"I am confident in your level of training and professionalism. Be good ambassadors of the Republic of Kenya by maintaining a high sense of professionalism and discipline in all your undertakings and uphold the exemplary performance registered by your predecessors," Kapkory said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

He noted the troops' preparedness, professional training, and clear understanding of their mandate, expressing confidence in their readiness and capability for the mission.

According to KDF, the deployment comes at a time when Monusco has intensified its efforts in protecting civilians, reforming the security sector, and in disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration of combatants.

It said the Kenyan troops will be engaged in operations against armed groups, protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian efforts, and aiding in the disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration of former combatants, a task that the previous contingents have successfully performed.

The country has an outstanding track record of contributing to peacekeeping missions internationally in countries such as Somalia, South Sudan, Namibia, Croatia, Liberia and Sierra Leone, underscoring its commitment to regional and global peace and security.

Simon Seda, commander of KENQRF 4, expressed his confidence in his troops' readiness and their ability to make a significant impact in the DRC.

"Our men and women are prepared for the task ahead. They have undergone rigorous training and are equipped with the necessary skills to execute this mission effectively.

We are committed to contributing to the restoration of peace and stability in the DRC," he said.