Kenya deploys 168 additional police to Haiti amid US funding freeze

Kenya has sent an additional 168 police officers to Haiti, bringing the total number of Kenyan personnel in the country to about 800 as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) aimed at combating rampant gang violence. This deployment coincides with the U.S. freezing $13.3 million in funding for the mission due to a broader foreign assistance freeze under President Trump. Despite the funding concerns, U.S. officials have confirmed that critical support, including $40.7 million in waivers, will continue to flow to the mission and Haitian police. The mission has faced challenges, with less than a third of the required 2,500 officers deployed, as Haiti grapples with extreme violence and political instability. The U.N. Secretary-General has called for more resources to enhance the mission's effectiveness, highlighting that over 5,600 people were killed in gang-related violence last year. Kenyan officials remain optimistic, stating that operational contracts have been extended and they anticipate a resolution to funding issues soon.