The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Quick Reaction Force (QRF) have been selected to represent the country in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and will be proceeding to the United Nation Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
MONUSCO is a United Nations peacekeeping force in the DRC.
Source: Kenya Defence Forces
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Robert Kibochi on Tuesday handed over the Kenyan flag to the QRF troops at Embakasi Garrison, Kenya.
The CDF congratulated the troops and reminded them of the need to uphold highest standards of discipline as per the UN code of conduct.
“I have no worries and I believe you are ready for the mission now that I saw you train in Mt. Kenya. I believe you are mission ready to protect the people of Congo.” said the CDF.
“You are leaving here for Congo to represent the country that’s why we are handing over the Kenyan Flag to you, and you will hand back when the mission is done.”
Source: Kenya Defence Forces
The forces will be operating at Mavivi in Beni Eastern Congo.
The CDF urged the troops to cultivate good relations with the people of Congo and contigents operating in the area namely from; Nepal, South Africa and Tanzania.
Kenya Army Commander Lieutenant General Walter Koipaton assured the CDF that the QRF team is mission ready and capable to execute the MONUSCO tasks as specified in the mandate.
“This is an important occasion as it marks our proud re-entry to the UN Peace Keeping Missions after a long duration. The team is well trained, well prepared and mission ready for deployment.” Said the Commander.
Source: Kenya Defence Forces
The Kenyan troops, led by Liuetenant Colonel Abdul Galgalo, join Tanzania, South Africa and Nepal to form the Force Intervention Brigade.
The deployment comes after Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta visited Congo where he met President Felix Tshisekedi.
Kenya and DR Congo signed four framework cooperation agreements covering several economic sectors, security and defence as well as maritime transport.
