Kenya's Haiti mission budget to last until March 2025, says Ruto

Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi. [PCS]

Kenya has affirmed its ability to sustain the deployment of its police officers in Haiti through March 2025.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a joint press conference with Haiti's Prime Minister Garry Conille, President William Ruto confirmed that the Kenyan troops have a budget to support them into next year.

"We have a budget that takes us through to March next year, covering the needs of our officers on the ground, including those joining next month. All other logistical matters are well addressed," said Ruto.

Kenya also plans to send an additional 600 police officers to Haiti in November to quell gang violence.

According to Ruto, the officers are currently undergoing pre-deployment training.

This marked Ruto's first public appearance since returning from the United Nations General Assembly. He urged the international community to provide additional support, noting that Kenya's mandate in Haiti extends until October 2025.

"Kenya and Haiti stand united in urging the international community to support this mission urgently. Words and pledges must translate into concrete action. We strongly call on our global partners to accelerate their contributions of personnel, logistics, and financial resources necessary to sustain and expand the mission."

Haiti PM Conille, on an official four-day visit to Kenya, lauded the Kenyan government's commitment to restoring peace in Haiti, where 70 people were recently killed in an armed gang attack in Pont Sonde, northwest of Port-au-Prince.

"We commend the level of expertise and professionalism demonstrated by the Kenyan troops. Their presence has been crucial to the restoration of peace in Haiti," Conille stated.

Kenya also plans to send an additional 600 police officers to Haiti in the coming weeks to combat gangs controlling much of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.

This deployment, according to Ruto will increase the Kenyan contingent, which has been assisting Haiti's struggling police force since June, to 1,000 officers.