Kenya, Haiti strengthen security ties as Ruto pledges increased police deployment

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – President William Ruto on Friday announced Kenya’s commitment to deploying an additional 600 police officers to Haiti.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Haiti’s Prime Minister, Garry Conille in Nairobi, Ruto reaffirmed his country’s commitment to leading the international response in restoring security to Haiti.

“Today, I am pleased to announce that an additional 600 Kenyan police officers are undergoing pre-deployment training and will be ready for duty in the near future,” Ruto added.

The Kenyan president called on the international community to urgently support the mission with additional resources, emphasizing that "words and pledges must be matched by concrete action."

Ruto noted that Kenyan police officers are working closely with the Haitian National Police to restore order, protect critical infrastructure and create safe spaces where Haitians can thrive.

“In collaboration, they have already recaptured key sites: The general hospital, the port and the National Palace. This progress stands in stark contrast to the uncertainty that once prevailed,” he said.

For his part, Conille thanked Kenya for its timely support in bringing peace and order to Haiti.

“The first deployments of Kenyan deployments in Haiti have been extremely helpful, useful, professional, committed and they have engaged almost immediately side by side with the police force”.

Thanking Kenyans, Conille said: “You helped us tell the world that Haitian children are not less deserving than the others, and that Haitian men and women who are suffering deserve solidarity and you led that fight with us”.

The discussions also touched on economic collaboration between Kenya and Haiti.

The two leaders also discussed fostering stronger ties between the African Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with the aim of enhancing South-South cooperation and building a resilient global community.

The full deployment of all 2,500 officers is expected by January, Ruto said at the UN General Assembly in September.