Kenya Deploys 217 Additional Police Officers to Haiti to Combat Gang Violence

The reinforcements join a Kenyan-led UN-backed mission aiming to restore order in a nation where gangs control much of the capital.

Kenya has sent 217 more police officers to Haiti, bringing its total deployment to over 600 as part of a multinational anti-gang force.
The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), operating under UN auspices, was launched in June 2024 to address escalating gang violence in Haiti.
Gang violence in Haiti has displaced over a million people, left more than 700,000 homeless, and caused over 5,600 deaths in 2024 alone, according to the UN.
The mission has faced challenges, including reports of poor conditions and pay delays for some officers, though Kenyan officials deny any resignations from the force.
Kenya plans to deploy a total of 1,000 officers to Haiti, with contributions from other nations like Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Belize also supporting the mission.