217 additional Kenyan police officers arrive in Haiti to boost the multinational mission

PORT-AU-PRINCE — A third contingent of 217 Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti on Saturday, Jan. 18, to join the growing multinational mission tasked with bolstering the Haitian National Police (PNH) in their fight against armed gangs. Their arrival at Toussaint Louverture International Airport raises the total number of security personnel in Haiti to 789. However, the mission, which recently welcomed reinforcements from Guatemala and El Salvador, still remains far short of its expected 2,500 members.

The Kenyan officers, drawn from specialized units and dressed in military fatigues while equipped with assault rifles, were greeted by Haitian officials, international representatives, and the mission’s leadership. Among the welcoming delegation were PNH Director General Rameau Normil; newly-installed Secretary of State for Public Security Mario Andrésol; United States Ambassador Dennis Hankins; Canadian Ambassador André François Giroux; and Deputy Chief of the MSS Kevron Henry.

The incoming Kenyan officers began their deployment by meeting their comrades stationed in Haiti. Before heading to their assigned base, the contingent performed traditional dances and chanted slogans in their native language on the airport tarmac, a customary display of camaraderie and unity.

“This new contingent joins the expanding multinational security team and strengthens the mission’s operational capacities to fulfill its mandate of supporting the Haitian National Police while remaining aligned with the Haitian state,” said Kevron Henry during a brief ceremony at the airport.

Announced in November 2024, the arrival in the Haitian capital of these 217 Kenyan officers, out of the 600 expected, finally comes to fruition. Kipchumba Murkomen, the new Interior Secretary of Kenya, confirmed on his