The new Kenya police team that arrived in Haiti on Saturday, January 18 held a prayer session for their successful trip there.
They expressed hope in their mission vowing to uphold professionalism.
The team of 217 joined those from Jamaica, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Bahamas, and Belize for an interdenominational service on Sunday.
The Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, headquartered in Port-au-Prince, is an international operation led by Kenya authorized by the United Nations Security Council to assist the Haiti National Police restore peace, law and order amid threats of criminal gangs and violence.
There are now 600 Kenya police officers in Haiti and 200 more will join them before the end of January, officials said.
Before their departure from Nairobi, interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the MSS team and those from Haiti National Police have jointly accelerated efforts to ensure a reduction in crime and violence and promote a more secure environment.
“The reopening of schools and colleges on the 2nd October 2024 and the subsequent reopening of courts on October 7, 2024, is a testament to the improved security conditions, despite the ongoing threat by gangs.”
“Civilian protection focus has ensured increased seizure of harmful exposure like drug, arms, and ammunition by the police and are an indication of efforts to cut off the major funding sources for gangs,” he said.
He added the team has conducted education on responsible and lawful behaviour through community engagement forums.
These programs help in fostering a more cooperative environment between security agencies and the civilian population.
Murkomen said the team has prioritized the protection of children and educational institutions.
Sensitization and outreach programs to discourage gang affiliation have been consistently carried out, ensuring children’s safety and promoting educational continuity.
MSS is supporting the HNP in securing the Police School with a four-month fast–truck basic training of
747 cadets which began on August 27, 2024 and whose trainees successfully graduated on January 10, 2025.
Murkomen said major Gangs have been destabilized including; Delmas 6 Gang-Jimmy Cherizier, Kraze Barye-Vitel Homme Innocent, Gran Griff gang-Elan Luckson.
“It is a sobering perspective that Peace Keeping calls on our collective empathy for fellow human beings and it is our prayer that as a continent we will discover a system in which peace is more rewarding than war. When we are talking about human dignity, that should be without borders.”
“Kenya remains committed to the global community and citizens of Haiti and will support the mission by deployment of more officers from various Units within the Service including GSU, Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and the all-female Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT),” he said.
