Kenya sends 168 more police officers to Haiti as US cuts funding for multinational security mission

Geoffrey Otunge, the force commander leading the deployment in Haiti, said in a statement that “the MSS remains fully committed to restoring peace in Haiti.”

The latest deployment raises the total number of Kenyan personnel in Haiti to 800, moving closer to the target of 1,000 officers under the UN-backed mission.

According to Kenyan authorities, the officers are expected to arrive in the capital, Port-au-Prince, on Thursday evening, where they will join other international forces working to maintain law and order.

The deployment comes a day after the US halted funding for the security mission, raising concerns over the operation’s future.

The US decision, made as part of the Trump administration's broader review of foreign aid, could have an impact on the multinational force's logistical support.

Despite the financial setback, Kenya said on Wednesday that it remains committed to its leadership role, affirming that its security mission in Haiti remains on track, with plans to transition it into a UN operation.

Korir Sing’oei, principal secretary of the Foreign Ministry, while talking to Anadolu, clarified that the US has committed approximately $600 million to the Multinational Security Support mission, with a significant portion already disbursed.

He noted that the recent US funding issue affects only about $15 million, leaving the mission with $110 million to continue operations.

The East African nation of Kenya leads the support mission in Haiti, which was authorized by the UN Security Council in October 2023 to assist the Haitian National Police in combating escalating gang violence and restoring security.