The deployment of Kenyan troops to Haiti has sparked a considerable sceptical and cautious debate on X, formerly Twitter.
On Saturday, President William Ruto visited the Kenyan troops in Haiti as the 200 police officers marked 100 days since their initial deployment.
The Head of State's visit to Haiti has highlighted both the achievements and challenges faced by our forces in the Caribbean nation.
Some Kenyans on X not happy with the deployment stated that banditry is still rife in the northern counties yet Kenyan police are being deployed to Haiti.
An X user "Shobanees" stated, that 'the government is misguided in sending the troops in Haiti while Mwingi pupils desert school over banditry.'
The critics argued that resources and security personnel should first be focused on safeguarding Kenyan lives and addressing the root causes of violence domestically.
"What is happening domestically is enough to beef up security Kenya's involvement in Haiti is not as crucial as what is facing us at home," another X user named Warm Fruit said.
Many questioned the wisdom of committing troops to foreign missions while local communities are still grappling with threats to their safety.
Under the Multinational Security Support Mission, Kenyan officers have made significant strides in reclaiming key infrastructure, including the Port-au-Prince Airport and the State University Hospital, which stands as Haiti's largest medical facility.
So far, 400 officers have been involved in the peacekeeping mission in Haiti since June 2024, and 600 more are set to be deployed.
However, the President's visit also revealed gaps in communication and clarity regarding the mission's objectives and the support required from the international community.
Officers who engaged Ruto in a question-and-answer session highlighted issues such as lack of compensation and equipment as major factors affecting them.
Despite the initial scepticism regarding the deployment, it is evident that the Kenyan forces are rising to the occasion.
Another soldier told the president of their successful operations in previously inaccessible areas, such as Delmas and Solar.
He noted that they are committed to creating a safer environment for the Haitian people.
Here are some reactions from Kenyans:
