Kenya Deploys Police to Haiti to Fight Gangs (UN-Backed Mission)

Kenya has dispatched an additional 217 police officers to Haiti, underlining its deepening commitment to a U.N.-backed multinational force tackling rampant gang violence there. The move — confirmed by Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen — expands Kenya’s contribution in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, complementing about 400 officers sent during the previous deployment. Reuters+1
The MSS mission, led by Kenyan police, was set up to support the Haitian National Police amid surging gang activity that has displaced over a million people. Reuters+2Anadolu Ajansı+2 According to reports, the reinforcements will uphold public order, conduct community policing, and offer training to local forces. Anadolu Ajansı Kenyan officers have already begun street patrols in Port‑au-Prince, even using drones for aerial surveillance to counter heavily armed criminal groups. Africa News
The deployment has drawn a mix of praise and concern. Kenya’s government insists its participation is vital to restoring stability and has reaffirmed its goal of contributing up to 1,000 personnel to the mission. Reuters But some Kenyan officers have expressed frustration, citing poor working conditions, delayed pay, and inadequate gear. TimesLIVE+1 Meanwhile, critics warn the mission may be under-resourced, given that only a handful of the more than 3,100 troops pledged by 10 countries have been deployed. Reuters
Looking ahead, Kenya remains firm in its commitment to the MSS mission, with Minister Murkomen vowing to rally more international support. TimesLIVE The country’s leadership sees the mission not just as a security venture, but as a chance to demonstrate Kenya’s role in global peacekeeping. However, sustaining morale, ensuring timely pay and adequate protection for its officers, and managing diplomatic expectations will be critical if this effort is to yield lasting gains in Haiti’s quest for stability.