Kenya welcomes new military force in Haiti as MSS mission ends

The transition, adopted by the United Nations Security Council, will now see the new force having a maximum of 5,500 uniformed personnel, including police officers and soldiers, serving for an initial period of 12 months.

In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry noted that the transition will be a pivotal shift towards restoring peace and stability in the war-torn Caribbean nation.

"It also reflects the impact of Kenya's leadership in mobilizing international attention, forging consensus, and catalysing collective action when others hesitated," said the statement in part.

It also stated that Kenya's role in Haiti "has always been anchored in the protection of vulnerable communities, the upholding of the United Nations Charter, and our commitment to global peace and security in line with international obligations."

Currently, just about 800 police officers from Kenyaare deployed in Haiti under the MSS to support the overwhelmed Haitian police in their fight against rampant gang violence. But the mission, which was approved in 2023, has had mixed results.

Three officers lost their lives in the misadventure and a number of them suffered injuries.

Of the three reported dead, one officer’s body has not been found since March 2025.

The new mission is backed by the United States, Panama, other member states and some countries within the Caribbean region.

The GFS will run under an initial 12-month mandate, while working in close collaboration with the Haitian National Police (HNP) and the Haitian Armed Forces (HAF) to conduct operations to neutralize gangs, provide security for critical infrastructure, and support humanitarian access.

The new resolution tasks the UN Secretary-General to establish a UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) to provide logistical and operational support to the GSF, HNP and the Haitian Armed Forces, including rations, medical care, transportation, strategic communications and troop rotation.