Kenyan police officers working under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission are already making impressive progress in regaining gang-controlled areas and reestablishing public order in the centre of Haiti’s rapidly worsening security situation.
The mission, which was initially viewed with scepticism, has gained momentum in the face of escalating violence that has ravaged the Caribbean island more than a year after its initial deployment in June 2024.
MSS Spokesperson Jack Ombaka on Tuesday evening confirmed that joint operations between Kenyan officers and Haitian security personnel had gained momentum, particularly in Port-au-Prince, the country’s troubled capital. These coordinated efforts, he said, have not only disrupted gang strongholds but also safeguarded vital national infrastructure, including the main international airport, seaport, and several government installations.
The efforts have led to significant operational victories, such as the successful reopening of key roadways in volatile zones like Delmas, Thomassin, Kenscoff, and Teleco. These critical transport corridors had previously been under gang blockade, isolating communities and paralyzing the local economy.
Perhaps the most notable milestone yet is the uninterrupted administration of Haiti’s recent national examinations, an achievement Ombaka credits to the increased security presence. “Swift and coordinated responses by MSS troops have neutralised these threats, demonstrating growing effectiveness and resilience in the face of escalating violence,” he said.
To bolster their efforts, the Kenyan-led contingent has established multiple Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in gang-prone areas, allowing for faster emergency response, increased patrol frequency, and a firmer presence on the ground.
Still, challenges persist. Haiti remains largely under the shadow of ruthless gang rule, with 2025 alone recording over 3,000 deaths attributed to armed violence, according to recent reports. Even as the United States issues fresh security alerts near its embassy, the determination shown by Kenyan forces hints at a turning tide.
