UN Security Council extends Kenyan-led Haiti mission for one year

Kenyan police officers stationed in Haiti to assist in the fight against armed gangs will extend their stay for another year, following a unanimous decision by the 15-member UN Security Council to approve the mission's extension on Monday.

This decision follows President William Ruto's recent visit to Haiti, where he assessed the Kenyan police mission before advocating for a mandate renewal during his UNGA speech in New York. 

Ruto’s detour to Haiti on Saturday aimed to reinvigorate global support for the mission, which has waned recently. 

International enthusiasm for resource mobilisation has declined, and contributions to the UN’s funding efforts have dwindled. 

The United States, the mission’s primary supporter, has led efforts to secure additional funds and personnel. Washington has committed Sh54.4 billion (US$380 million) of the Sh86 billion (US$600 million) required, while Canada has contributed Sh8.4 billion (US$60 million). 

However, a shortfall of Sh22.4 billion (US$160 million) remains, hindering further reinforcements for the Kenyan contingent.

As this mission is not an official UN peacekeeping operation, it relies on voluntary contributions rather than the UN’s regular budget, making resource mobilisation challenging. 

Many UN member states have been hesitant to contribute, exacerbating the difficulty.

Kenyan officers in Haiti have also voiced concerns over equipment shortages and delayed wages, further complicating their operations. 

Haiti has long been ravaged by violence, with armed groups—often tied to political and business interests—fighting for control of the country.

By August, over 578,000 Haitians had been displaced, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). 

Kenya’s recent appeal to the UN comes at a crucial moment, as the mission’s future relies on renewed international backing and innovative funding solutions to ensure continued progress. 

Without it, the gains made could quickly unravel.