By Marline Atieno
In a significant move to support international peacekeeping efforts, Kenya is set to deploy 200 police officers to Haiti next week.
The Kenyan government announced the deployment following a request from the United Nations and a formal agreement with the Haitian government.
In recent years, Kenya has been active in various UN peacekeeping missions, including in Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Haiti has faced growing turmoil since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.
The vacuum in leadership has led to an increase in gang-related violence, with many areas of the capital, Port-au-Prince, effectively controlled by armed groups.
In July 2023, President Ruto initially committed 1,000 of his police officers to lead an international force to support Haiti’s national police.
Read more: Kindiki Seals Deal, 1,000 Police Officers Bound For Haiti
This commitment was contingent on his government’s security assessment and a mandate from the U.N. Security Council, which was granted in October.
Since then, the initiative has encountered multiple setbacks, including legal challenges and judicial blocks in Nairobi, funding delays in Congress and the forced resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry on March 11 due to a gang insurgency.
Read more: Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry Resigns As Nation Collapses
The deployment is scheduled to align with President William Ruto’s state visit to the United States, where it will be a key topic of discussion.
Additionally, reports indicate that the U.S. Defense Department, via the Pentagon, has started establishing camps for the multinational mission.
The U.N., alongside the U.S. in calling for support for the multinational force and humanitarian efforts, has emphasized the urgent need for the Kenyan-led mission to be deployed swiftly.
This mission is intended to aid the Haiti National Police in combating ruthless gangs that are displacing people from their homes and holding millions in Port-au-Prince hostage.