Kenya has welcomed the establishment of the United Nations’ Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti, even as uncertainty lingers over whether the 800 Kenyan police officers currently stationed there will continue their deployment.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said on Wednesday, October 1, that Kenya is yet to receive official direction from the National Security Council (NSC) on the officers’ future following the transition from the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to the new UN-backed GSF.
“We are still waiting for more information on the mission, and after that, we shall know what to do. Such directions are given by the National Security Council, so let us wait,” Kanja told reporters.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a separate statement, welcomed the GSF, noting that it addresses key challenges that hampered the Kenya-led MSS, such as underfunding, limited personnel, and inadequate operational capacity. The GSF, which will run for 12 months initially, will comprise more than 5,500 security personnel working alongside the Haitian National Police and armed forces to neutralize gangs, secure infrastructure, and ensure humanitarian access.
“As President William Ruto underscored at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the challenges experienced under the MSS highlighted the urgent need for a stronger, more predictable framework. The GSF now provides that foundation,” the ministry stated.
Kenya emphasized that its decision to spearhead the mission was driven by principle rather than prestige, underscoring its commitment to protecting vulnerable communities, advancing the UN Charter, and contributing to global peace and security.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry further noted that Kenya’s leadership in Haiti affirms Africa’s growing role in global security and strengthens the case for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council.
The new UN mission will be supported directly through the establishment of a UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH), tasked with logistics, medical support, transportation, troop rotation, and strategic communications.
While praising the contributions of other partner nations including Canada, France, Japan, the US, Algeria, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Barbados, the ministry reiterated that the MSS mission played a critical role in restoring Haitian government control over key facilities previously dominated by gangs.
At home, questions remain over when or if Kenyan police officers in Haiti will be recalled, with officials stressing that further guidance will come from the NSC.
 in Haiti, even as uncertainty lingers over whether the 800 Kenyan police officers currently stationed there will continue their deployment.){kind=link}