Kenya’s key role in Haiti’s peacekeeping mission has been decisively backed by the incoming Trump administration, silencing concerns raised by some Kenyan politicians about the potential shift in U.S. foreign policy.
During his Senate confirmation hearing on January 15, 2025, Marco Rubio, nominated to serve as Secretary of State under the Trump administration, strongly endorsed Kenya’s leadership in Haiti, confirming that U.S. support for the mission would remain steadfast, despite the political transition in Washington.
The Kenya-led peacekeeping mission in Haiti, which began in July 2023, was initiated in response to escalating gang violence that has left more than 5,600 dead and displaced over a million people.
This intervention, spearheaded by President William Ruto’s administration, saw Kenya commit to sending up to 1,000 police officers to help stabilize Haiti and support the establishment of a transitional government.
The mission has received significant praise for its timely action and impact, with Kenya establishing itself as a leading peacekeeping force in the region.
Under the administration of President Joe Biden, the US had initially extended strong support to the mission, recognizing Kenya’s capacity to manage complex peacekeeping operations.
However, the change in US leadership, with the election of Donald Trump in late 2024, raised questions about the future of such international missions.
Critics feared that Trump’s "America First" doctrine would prompt a shift away from supporting multilateral peace efforts, potentially undermining ongoing missions like Kenya’s in Haiti.
These concerns were particularly prevalent in Kenya, where some politicians questioned whether the new administration would continue the Biden administration’s support for the mission.
In response to these fears, Rubio's comments were a powerful reassurance to Kenya and its allies.
He emphasized that U.S. foreign policy would continue to support peace initiatives led by capable regional actors such as Kenya, acknowledging the critical importance of international cooperation in resolving complex global security issues.
Rubio specifically underscored that, while the U.S. would not directly contribute military forces to Haiti, it would continue to back Kenya’s leadership and the overall mission.
Rubio’s stance aligns with the broader U.S. foreign policy shift towards empowering regional players in peacekeeping and conflict resolution, a policy that had been initiated during the Biden administration and is expected to continue under Trump.
The Biden administration had prioritized multilateral partnerships and supported African-led peacekeeping initiatives, emphasizing solutions that were locally driven rather than relying solely on U.S. military intervention.
Rubio’s commitment to continuing these efforts ensures that Kenya’s role in Haiti will remain central to US foreign policy, reinforcing the importance of regional actors in tackling international crises.
Despite the challenges faced by Kenya’s peacekeeping mission in Haiti, including logistical issues, gang violence, and limited resources, the mission has made substantial progress.
The possibility of integrating the mission into a U.N. peacekeeping framework further solidifies its long-term prospects, offering a stable path to continued success.
Rubio’s endorsement adds weight to these discussions, ensuring the mission's sustainability and strengthening Kenya’s position as a key player in global peacekeeping.
Rubio’s strong backing of Kenya’s mission, alongside the ongoing U.S. commitment to multilateral solutions, highlights the value of cooperative international efforts in addressing security challenges.
It demonstrates that, despite political changes, U.S. foreign policy will continue to support regional peace efforts, with Kenya playing a pivotal role.
This support not only solidifies Kenya’s credibility as a global peace actor but also reinforces the importance of partnerships that transcend national borders in addressing complex security crises like the one in Haiti.
Fwamba NC Fwamba is the Chairman of the National Alternative Leadership Forum
