An additional 600 Kenyan police officers are undergoing pre-deployment training and will be ready for duty in Haiti soon, President William Ruto has revealed.
Speaking at State House Nairobi during a joint press briefing with Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille, Ruto noted that he flagged off the first contingent of Kenyan officers to Haiti on June 24, 2024, followed by a second deployment shortly thereafter, bringing the current total to nearly 400 officers.
“Already, this mission is showing positive results, restoring hope and providing a glimpse of the stability that lies ahead,” Ruto said.
Kenya is leading the international response to Haiti’s urgent call for support in restoring safety and security in the country.
The UN Security Council authorized the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to Haiti On October 2, 2023.
Ruto said Kenyan officers are working closely with the Haitian National Police to restore order, protect critical infrastructure and create safe spaces for citizens of the Caribbean nation.
“In collaboration, they have already recaptured key sites: The general hospital, the port and the National Palace. This progress stands in stark contrast to the uncertainty that once prevailed,” he noted.
The President commended the professionalism of the MSS and urged them to remain steadfast in discharging their responsibilities.
“The conduct of the MSS is a testament to the integrity of Kenya’s security deployments within the country and around the world, which I am certain is one of the reasons Kenya was yesterday elected to serve at the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027,” he stated.
Ruto called on the global partners to accelerate their contribution to the personnel, logistics, and financial resources necessary to sustain and expand the mission.
Ruto noted that Kenya and Haiti have identified areas for collaboration in trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
“We envision a future where Kenya and Haiti, as well as the larger Caribbean region, are linked not only by shared values of democracy and the rule of law but also by dynamic economic exchanges to create jobs, spur innovation, and uplift communities,” he said.
