Fifth Kenyan Police Contingent Arrives in Haiti to Bolster Multinational Security Mission

A fifth contingent of 230 Kenyan police officers arrived in Port-au-Prince on Monday, reinforcing the multinational Gang Repression Force (FRG) tasked with stabilizing Haiti. The officers were greeted by Haitian transitional officials and international diplomats.

The UN Security Council-approved FRG aims to reach 5,500 personnel to help dismantle armed groups, secure critical infrastructure, and strengthen Haiti’s police. The new Kenyan deployment follows the rotation of 100 officers who completed their mission.

Kenyan Deputy National Security Advisor Joseph Boinett, who accompanied the contingent, reaffirmed his country’s commitment, stating Kenya “will stand with the Haitian people to guarantee peace and stability during this transitional phase.”

The mission faces significant challenges. The force, which also includes personnel from Guatemala, El Salvador, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, numbers approximately 1,000 – well below initial targets due to funding and equipment shortfalls.

Haiti is governed by a transitional council, with legislative and presidential elections scheduled for 2026. The expanded security mission is viewed as a critical prerequisite for restoring order and enabling a return to democratic governance.