NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s peacekeeping mission in Haiti just hit a financial roadblock, thanks to a funding freeze from the United States. But according to National Security Advisor Monica Juma, there’s no cause for panic—at least not yet.
In a statement on Wednesday, Juma assured the public that the United Nations Trust Fund still holds approximately $110 million (Sh12.9 billion), enough to keep operations running.
“There are sufficient funds in the UN Trust Fund for Haiti from other countries (approximately $110M) to continue operations,” she stated.
It is true the U.S. contribution to the UN Trust Fund for MSS Haiti is on pause, affecting about $15M in support. It is also true that the MSS mission is a priority and a beneficiary of the waiver. Meanwhile, there are sufficient funds in the UN Trust Fund for Haiti from other…
The funding freeze stems from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order, issued hours after taking office on January 20.
The order called for a 90-day pause on foreign aid, allowing for a review to determine whether contributions align with his “America First” policy.
This move blindsided officials in Kenya and at the UN, given that the U.S. had already pledged $15 million to the trust fund.
According to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the freeze locks away the remaining $13.3 million, leaving only $1.7 million already spent.
The decision has drawn concerns from international partners, as the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission was already struggling with limited voluntary contributions.
While the UN approved the deployment, the mission itself isn’t a formal UN operation, meaning it relies entirely on donor funding—and that’s proving to be an issue.
Despite initial optimism, the Kenya-led mission has faced a slow rollout, with only 900 security personnel deployed so far—well below the 2,500 planned troops.
The MSS includes forces from Kenya, El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Belize, but financial constraints are hindering progress.
Canada has stepped up as the largest donor, contributing over half of the $110 million fund. However, global donor fatigue has left the mission underfunded and in limbo.
Ironically, the trust fund itself was created at the U.S.’s insistence to encourage global participation.
But with Washington now pausing its own contributions, the mission’s long-term sustainability remains uncertain.
For now, Juma insists that Kenya’s commitment to the mission remains firm. The Haitian crisis, fueled by gang violence and political instability, still requires urgent international intervention.
“The Multinational Security Mission remains a priority,” she reiterated.
With the U.S. still reviewing its aid policies and donor hesitancy growing, the next few months will be critical in determining the mission’s future.
