Force Commander EACRF visits Kenyan Quick Reaction Force II ( KENQRF II)
The Force Commander (FC) East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) Maj Gen Aphaxard Kiugu visited the Kenyan Quick Reaction Force II (KENQRF II) serving under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) in Beni.
The Commanding Officer Lt Col David Munoru received the FC alongside Kenyan Staff Officers from EACRF HQs & took him through current deployment,roles & responsibilities of the force,operational progress & challenges before a guided tour of the Mavivi Permanent Operating Base.
The CO informed FC that the troops have successfully completed all tasks assigned to them by the Force Headquarters as a contingent. He was informed of good relations cultivated by the contingent with the local community that remains key to the success of their mission.
Addressing KENQRF II troops, Maj Gen Kiugu acknowledged their commendable performance & said such success contributes to Kenya’s recognition as a key contributor to Peace Support Operations in the region & beyond, as Kenya strives to regain its position in the global ranking.
“You are here for a good reason and no failure has been associated with Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) culture. You have a mandate to deliver, and there is no shortcut to it. The reputation that you leave behind is key for future deployments." said the FC.
The FC further said that the good record registered by KENQRF since deployment under MONUSCO in 2021 has significantly increased the demand for KDF troops in Peace Support Operations.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest levels of discipline, professionalism and continuous training, noting that these are the virtues of a successful military in any operation.
The Force Commander implored the troops to remain extra vigilant and not to lower their guard as the security situation in their area of operation remains unstable and more so with the enemy being ADF, a terrorist group with links to Al-Shabaab.