Kenyan Government Clarifies US Funding Status for Haiti Security Mission Amidst Rumors

Nairobi, Kenya – February 5, 2025 – In response to recent rumors suggesting the United States had withdrawn its financial support from the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, the Kenyan Government, through its spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura CBS, has issued a press release to clarify the situation. The statement, released on February 5, 2025, aims to quell concerns and provide clarity on the current funding status of the mission, which is crucial for combating the escalating gang violence in Haiti.

Dr. Mwaura, in his role as the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, and Government Spokesman, addressed the public directly through a post on social media platform X, dispelling any doubts about the mission’s financial stability. According to the press release, despite the reported freeze on some funding by the US, which was initially committed to the UN Trust Fund for the Haiti mission, the mission’s operations are not in jeopardy.

The press release highlighted that while the US had committed $15 million to the fund, with $13.3 million of that now frozen due to recent decisions, the mission still has sufficient funds from other contributing countries. Monica Juma, President William Ruto’s security advisor, confirmed this in a statement, noting that there are approximately $110 million (equivalent to Ksh14.2 billion) available from other nations to sustain the mission’s operations. This assurance comes at a critical time when the mission is already facing challenges due to understaffing and logistical issues.

The MSS mission, which began in September 2024 under Kenyan leadership, has been struggling to make significant progress in Haiti’s security situation. Three months into the operation, Kenyan President William Ruto has acknowledged the mission’s shortcomings, particularly citing a lack of equipment, logistics, and funds. However, he has pledged that the full deployment of Kenyan police personnel would be completed by January 2025, aiming to bolster the mission’s effectiveness.

The Kenyan government’s proactive communication through Dr. Mwaura’s statement serves to reassure both local and international stakeholders of the mission’s ongoing support and the Kenyan government’s commitment to its success. This clarification is particularly important as the mission not only seeks to restore law and order in Haiti but also aims to enhance Kenya’s global reputation as a reliable partner in international peacekeeping efforts.

The press release also touched upon the broader context, mentioning the arrival of additional Kenyan police officers and soldiers from El Salvador, indicating the international cooperation aspect of the mission. This deployment comes at a time when local solutions are being considered due to the funding constraints, as highlighted by international observers like Michael Deibert, who commented on the mission’s challenging odds.

In conclusion, Dr. Isaac Mwaura’s announcement provides a clear stance from the Kenyan government on the funding situation of the Haiti mission, ensuring transparency and stability in the face of international financial dynamics. The mission continues, with Kenya at the forefront, committed to supporting Haiti through this international effort.