NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 28 – Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry is expected in Kenya this week to finalize arrangements for the deployment of 1,000 police officers aimed at restoring peace in his country.
According to a statement from Henry’s office quoted by local media, the Prime Minister will travel to Nairobi after attending the 46th Ordinary Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of State and Government in Guyana, which concludes on February 28.
Kenyan authorities have not formally announced the expected visit.
The statement noted that Henry will engage with Kenyan authorities and those from other African countries to finalize the modalities for the deployment of the Multinational Security Force (MSS).
Initially planned for this month, the deployment was delayed following a court ruling in January that blocked the government’s authority to send police officers abroad. The government has filed a notice to appeal the High Court’s decision.
President William Ruto has characterized the deployment as a “mission for humanity,” aligning with Kenya’s history of contributing to United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide.
On February 14, Haiti’s government announced ongoing efforts to secure an official agreement with Kenyan officials for the much-awaited deployment of the police force from Nairobi.
The United States has committed to funding the UN-approved multinational security force aimed at combatting gang violence in Haiti.
Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, Haiti has faced increased instability, with no elections held since 2016 and the presidency remaining vacant.
The multinational mission envisions Kenyan police working alongside Haitian counterparts to address the challenge posed by gangs, which outnumber and outgun local law enforcement.
The UN Security Council endorsed the mission in early October 2023.
