Reports from the United Nations, Haitian government, or international media

Kenya Deploys 217 More Police Officers to Haiti, Total Reaches Over 600

Jan 19, 2025, 02:00 AM

Kenya has deployed an additional 217 police officers to Haiti as part of a United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) aimed at combating gang violence and restoring stability in the Caribbean nation. This new contingent joins the 400 officers Kenya sent in 2024, bringing the total number of Kenyan police officers in Haiti to over 600. The officers arrived in Port-au-Prince on January 18, 2025, where they were received by Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, Haitian President Fritz Alphonse Jean, and other officials. The mission, led by Kenya, has been tasked with protecting civilians, maintaining public order, and supporting the reform of Haiti's law enforcement institutions. Despite these efforts, gang violence remains a significant challenge, with the United Nations estimating that 85% of Port-au-Prince is still under gang control. The violence has displaced over 1 million Haitians and resulted in more than 5,600 deaths in 2024. Kenya's Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the country's commitment to the mission, describing it as a historic effort to restore peace in Haiti. The mission has received financial support, including $300 million from the United States and $123 million from Canada.