NAIROBI—The Kenyan government has dismissed concerns that the U.S. funding freeze will derail the Kenya-led Multi-National Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, calling such claims “false and lacking any factual basis.”
In a statement issued on Monday, Government Spokesperson Dr Isaac Mwaura emphasized that the MSS mission is backed by the UN Trust Fund for Haiti, established under UN Security Council Resolution 2699 in October 2023.
The mission, spearheaded by Kenya, also includes police contingents from Guatemala, Jamaica, El Salvador, the Bahamas, and Belize.
“As at the end of 2024, US$110.3 million had been pledged by multiple nations, including the USA, Canada, France, Turkey, Spain, Italy, and Algeria. Of this, $85 million has already been received by the Trust Fund, with significant contributions from the United States,” the statement read.
While acknowledging that $15 million in U.S. funds remains temporarily held due to a presidential directive, the Kenyan government assured that the UN-led fund remains well-resourced to sustain operations until at least September 2025.
Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the MSS mission transitions into a fully UN-led operation, securing its long-term sustainability and mandate to restore stability in Haiti.
The statement concluded with a patriotic rallying call, urging national unity and resilience in Kenya’s leadership role in global peacekeeping efforts.
Haiti has faced worsening gang violence since 2018, with 2023 witnessing an alarming surge in homicides, kidnappings, and sexual violence.
Over 700,000 Haitians have been displaced, forcing many into overcrowded and unsafe shelters.
Kenya recently deployed 217 additional police officers to Haiti, bringing the total number of Kenyan personnel in the mission to over 600.
This deployment forms part of President William Ruto’s pledge to send 1,000 officers to assist Haiti’s police in reclaiming control from violent gangs.
The MSS is a 12-month initiative that aims to stabilize Haiti’s volatile security environment and create conditions for sustainable peace.
