President William Ruto has urged the international community to fulfill their commitments in supporting the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti.
He stressed the immediate need for additional personnel, logistics, and financial resources to maintain and strengthen the mission. The President also announced that Kenya will deploy an additional 600 police officers to Haiti, who are currently undergoing pre-deployment training and will be ready next month.
During a press briefing at State House, Nairobi, following talks with Haiti’s Prime Minister Garry Conille, President Ruto highlighted the positive outcomes of the mission, which have brought renewed hope and glimpses of future stability for Haiti.
“We discussed today how to sustain and build on this momentum. This is a fight we can win, but only if our allies remain steadfast in their support for Haiti,” said President Ruto.
He added that Kenyan officers are working closely with the Haitian National Police to restore order, safeguard critical infrastructure, and create secure environments for Haitians to thrive. “Together, they have successfully reclaimed key sites, including the general hospital, the port, and the National Palace,” he said.
President Ruto called on international partners to capitalize on the mission’s success by providing necessary resources and equipment. He noted that the United Nations’ recent extension of the MSS mission by another year reflects strong global backing.
Praising the professionalism of Kenyan forces in Haiti, the President encouraged them to stay committed to their duties. He also pointed out that Kenya’s involvement in global security efforts contributed to its election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term.
Beyond security, President Ruto mentioned Kenya and Haiti are exploring cooperation in tourism and cultural exchanges. “For lasting change, we must focus on economic growth and strengthening social ties,” he said.
Both President Ruto and Prime Minister Conille reaffirmed their dedication to multilateralism, stressing the need for reforms that ensure global institutions serve all nations equitably.
Prime Minister Conille praised the Multinational Security Support Mission’s efforts in restoring peace in Haiti, particularly acknowledging Kenya’s role. “The Kenyan contingent has been effective, professional, and dedicated,” he said.
He further commended Kenya for amplifying Haiti’s plight on the global stage. “Where others saw crisis, you saw opportunity and voiced it strongly, uniting others to support Haiti,” Conille remarked.
Echoing President Ruto’s plea, Prime Minister Conille called for urgent global assistance to maintain the mission’s progress, emphasizing that Haiti, a nation of 12 million, is being held hostage by a small number of gangs. “Half the population faces food insecurity, and 600,000 people are displaced,” he added.
