Kenya Sends Additional Police Officers to Haiti Despite US Funding Concerns

Kenya deployed 168 more police officers to Haiti on Thursday as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, reinforcing efforts to combat armed gangs destabilizing the Caribbean nation. The latest deployment increases Kenya’s total personnel in Haiti to 800, approaching the mission’s target of 1,000 officers under the UN-backed initiative.

Kenyan officials confirmed that the newly dispatched officers are expected to arrive in Port-au-Prince on Thursday evening, joining international forces assisting the Haitian National Police in maintaining order.

This deployment follows the US decision to halt funding for the mission, raising concerns about its future. The funding suspension, part of the Trump administration’s broader foreign aid review, affects logistical support for the multinational force.

However, Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to leading the mission, with Foreign Ministry official Korir Sing’oei clarifying that the US had already disbursed a significant portion of its $600 million pledge. He noted that the recent funding issue impacts only $15 million, leaving $110 million available to sustain operations.

Kenya has taken a leading role in the MSS mission, authorized by the UN Security Council in October 2023 to support Haiti’s security forces against escalating gang violence. Despite financial uncertainties, the Kenyan government has stated that its long-term objective remains unchanged, with plans to transition the mission into a fully UN-led operation.