Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been recognized for their service and dedication under the United Nations peacekeeping mission.
In a statement on Friday, August 29, KDF said the Fourth Contingent of the Kenya Quick Reaction Force (KENQRF 4), deployed under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), received United Nations service medals in honor of their performance during a year-long tour of duty with the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB).
The medal parade was held at Camp Lt Masulia in North Kivu Province, presided over by MONUSCO Force Commander Lieutenant General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes.
Speaking during the event, Gomes praised the Kenyan troops for their resilience and commitment to peacekeeping.
"We have witnessed your resilience in this challenging environment. In addition, your engagement with the local community through cultural exchanges, key leadership engagements, and religious outreach programs has built trust and fostered relationships with the community, while demonstrating the compassion of being a peacekeeper," he said.
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The FIB Commander, Brigadier Richard Tobias Chagonapanja, also praised the Kenyan contingent, noting its distinguished performance within the mission.
"The Kenyan contingent has demonstrated remarkable agility and reliability. Whenever called upon, you have responded swiftly and effectively, embodying the true spirit of a Quick Reaction Force," he remarked.
Speaking on behalf of the feted troops, KENQRF Commander Lieutenant Colonel Simon Seda expressed gratitude and pride in the recognition.
"These medals are not just a symbol of service but also a reminder of the sacrifices we have made jointly with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the local security forces, and our partners within MONUSCO.
"We are humbled by the trust placed in us and proud to have flown the Kenyan flag high under the banner of the United Nations," he said.
This comes three months after two Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) cadets were selected to join top military academies in the United States.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, May 28, during a ceremony held in Nairobi by KDF in partnership with the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM).
Cadet Moses Kipsang joined the United States Air Force Academy, while Cadet Philemon Munjuri was accepted into the United States Naval Academy.
Most recently, Kenya Prisons Service Senior Superintendent, Vincent Ochola Gumbi, was selected for the 2025 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 29, the US Embassy said Gumbi, who currently serves at the Kenya Prisons Service Headquarters will travel to the United States in August.
According to the embassy, the fellowship program will last 10 months and will be hosted at Virginia Commonwealth University.
"Congratulations Vincent Ochola Gumbi for your selection to the 2025 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship. Vincent, a Senior Superintendent at Kenya Prisons Service Headquarters departs Kenya in August to join Virginia Commonwealth University for the 10-month fellowship," the statement read.
