The Fourth Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Contingent of the Kenya Quick Reaction Force (KENQRF 4), serving under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), has been awarded UN service medals.
The KDF troops were honoured for their outstanding performance during a one-year tour of duty under the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB).
The colourful medal parade was held at Camp Lt Masulia in North Kivu Province, presided over by MONUSCO Force Commander Lieutenant General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes.
It brought together senior MONUSCO officers, Officers and Service Personnel, civilian dignitaries, local leaders—including chiefs—as well as a number of members of the local population.
KDF Soldiers Receive UN Medals of Honour for Service in DRC
During the ceremony, several military observers and staff officers also received medals of honour.
Lt. Gen. Gomes commended the Kenyan peacekeepers for their professionalism and commitment, noting that the UN has witnessed the KDF’s resilience in the challenging environment of the DRC.
“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,” said Lt Gen Gomes.
At the same time, FIB Commander Brigadier Richard Tobias Chagonapanja lauded the KENQRF for its operational excellence, noting that the Kenyan contingent emerged as the best within FIB in the first quarter of 2025.
“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.
In his speech, the KENQRF Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Seda, expressed gratitude on behalf of the troops.
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He mentioned that these medals are not just a symbol of service, but also a reminder of the sacrifices the soldiers have made in conjunction with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the local security forces, and their 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.
What Quick Reaction Force Do
Kenya is one of the key troop-contributing countries to MONUSCO’s Force Intervention Brigade, which plays a proactive role in neutralizing armed groups threatening civilians in the eastern DRC.
The Kenyan Quick Reaction Force plays a vital role in MONUSCO’s mandate to protect civilians and support stabilization efforts in the DRC, often responding to emergencies and high-threat situations.
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KENQRF 4 has been engaged in operations against armed groups, protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian efforts, and assisting in the disarmament process.
They are also tasked with demobilization and reintegration of former combatants—a task that previous contingents also performed successfully.
The unit undergoes extensive, specialized training to conduct operations in challenging environments, demonstrating remarkable agility and reliability.
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