The United States has reassured Kenya of its continued support for the Multinational Security Mission combating gang violence in Haiti, despite recent reports that it has frozen Ksh 1.7 billion (US$15 million) in funding previously authorised by former President Joe Biden.
In a statement, US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken with President William Ruto to express appreciation for Kenya’s leadership of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti. Rubio also commended Kenya’s ongoing efforts to promote peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
During a press conference in the Dominican Republic, where he is on a five-day tour, Rubio reiterated Washington’s support for Kenya’s role in Haiti. However, he did not clarify whether the paused US funding—part of a broader foreign assistance freeze ordered by President Donald Trump—would be reinstated.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding US funding, Kenya has insisted that the MSS mission will proceed as planned. The country has already deployed a fourth contingent of 144 officers, including 24 members of its elite all-female Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.
El Salvador has also sent 70 soldiers, accompanied by three helicopters designated for medical and casualty evacuations. This brings the total number of officers currently serving in the MSS to 1,000.
The MSS was initially expected to deploy 2,500 officers from various contributing nations, but progress has been hindered by underfunding and logistical constraints. A UN fund, initiated by the US to support the mission, has so far raised only US$110 million—far below its intended target.
There are ongoing discussions about transforming the MSS into a formal UN peacekeeping force to grant it access to additional resources. However, previous attempts to secure Security Council approval have been blocked by the US and China. The Trump administration has yet to indicate whether it will reconsider this stance.
As Haiti’s security crisis deepens, Kenya and its allies continue to push forward, determined to stabilise the Caribbean nation despite financial and diplomatic hurdles.
