The Fourth Contingent of Kenya Quick Reaction Force (KENQRF 4) has emerged top in the just-concluded Beni Olympics, a multi-sport event that brought together military contingents and civilian staff serving under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).
The two-month-long competition which kicked off in mid-September to 8th November 2025, offered participants a refreshing break from operational duties and an opportunity to strengthen camaraderie among peacekeepers. The sports activities were carefully scheduled during downtimes between intensified patrols and other core operations geared towards the Protection of Civilians as per MONUSCO mandate.
KENQRF athletes dominated the competition from start to finish, showcasing exceptional discipline, endurance and teamwork that defines the Kenya Defence Forces. From the onset, the team put up a spirited fight, sweeping victories across multiple disciplines to effectively stamp their sports prowess.
In athletics -which marked a climax of the competition on the final day- the Kenyan troops clinched all podium positions in the men’s 10km race and secured gold in the women’s 10km event. Their sprint teams proved equally unstoppable, capturing gold in both men’s and women’s 100 metres and repeating the double feat in the 4×100 metres relays.
Beyond the track, the troops continued to shine across other disciplines. The volleyball team bagged silver after an electrifying final earlier played against Nepal Quick Reaction Force (15-12 in the fifth set), while the football team fought gallantly to secure a bronze medal in a category that was won by Malawi Battalion. In basketball, the team finished a respectable third, effectively stacking another bronze to their tally.
The contingent’s dominance extended to indoor games as well, where they swept the podium in the pool competition and performed exemplarily in board games such as chess, scrabble, and checkers.
In his address to the contingents and UN civilian staff during the closing ceremony, MONUSCO Force Commander, Lieutenant General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes, commended all participants for their dedication and fair play, emphasizing the vital role of sports in fostering teamwork and unity among peacekeepers from diverse nations.
“Sports not only enhances our mission readiness by improving our physical fitness but also polishes our esprit de corps which is vital in our joint pursuit of peace,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by the KENQRF Contingent Commander Lieutenant Colonel Simon Seda who, while speaking on the side-lines of the medal award ceremony, lauded the Kenyan troops for hoisting high the Kenyan flag.
“I’m very proud today. Amidst rigorous military operational activities, our Officers and Service Members have gone a notch higher to demonstrate Kenya’s athletic prowess. We will continue to encourage and empower sporting activities amongst our troops as we all know that a fit force is a capable force,” he added.
The closing ceremony was also graced by the MONUSCO Force Chief of Staff Brigadier General Givens Sichali, the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) Commander, Brigadier General Alexander Masangura among other senior MONUSCO officials, all of whom applauded the professionalism and discipline exhibited throughout the games.
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