Kenya to withhold police deployment to Haiti 'until all resources are availed'
Kenya has stated that it will not be deploying police officers as part of the Multi-National Security Support in Haiti unless all conditions are met for the mission.
According to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure, Kenya has already invested in preparing the 1000 National Police Service Officers and providing mission command in Haiti, reports local media The Star.
"Kenya will not allow its troops to exit the country for Haiti until all the required resources, including equipment and finances, are mobilised and availed," he said when he appeared before the joint committees of the bicameral house considering the Haiti deployment.
"I have attached a small amount that is preparatory work, we have 241 million US dollars for essential preparations so that when it is green we shall deploy… Overall, the pending budget review is 600 million US dollars. The amount will cater for the preparation of the officers, kitting, logistics, transport, accommodation and bringing the officers back home," Kindiki added.
The cost of the deployment will be covered by United Nations member states through voluntary contributions and the amounts spent will be refunded once they are fully cleared for the deployment, the Interior Cabinet Secretary explained.
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Kenya is expected to deploy amongst others, five superintendent officers and five deputy-formed police commanders, 25 officers in charge of support services, intelligence, operations, duty and liaison, support service officers, police intelligence officers, operations officers, duty officers and liaison officers all totalling 25. Also, deputy platoon commanders with 25 inspectors, platoon sergeants, 25 senior sergeants, 135 corporals and 655 constables.
In September 2023, the UN Security Council granted authorization for the dispatch of an international security force to assist Haiti's national police in suppressing escalating gang violence and reinstating security throughout the tumultuous Caribbean nation.
