Kenyan police in Haiti are making strong progress in restoring order to the gang-ravaged Caribbean nation. The officers, part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS), have intensified joint operations with Haitian security forces in Port-au-Prince.
Their efforts have not only reopened blocked roads but also safeguarded key infrastructure. Despite deadly gang attacks that have claimed thousands of lives, the Kenyan team is standing firm.
They have set up new forward bases, repelled attacks, and maintained stability during national exams, signaling a significant shift in the anti-gang fight.
Kenyan Police in Haiti Boost Security and Restore Stability
Kenyan police in Haiti have been at the forefront of the MSS mission to curb runaway gang violence. On Tuesday, MSS Spokesperson Jack Ombaka confirmed that the officers, working alongside Haitian security forces, have expanded their operations in high-risk areas across the capital.
The mission is credited with improving stability at a critical time. Ombaka noted that recent national examinations were completed without disruption, thanks to the security presence in major urban centers. This is a major victory for Haitian authorities, who have struggled for years to guarantee safety during public events.
Apart from securing public spaces, Kenyan police and MSS personnel have focused on protecting strategic infrastructure. Their presence has been crucial at Haiti’s main international airport, the seaport, and other high-value locations that gangs have previously targeted.
Ombaka said these gains have been achieved despite repeated attempts by armed groups to cripple movement. Gangs have mounted roadblocks and launched attacks in neighborhoods such as Kenscoff, Delmas, Thomassin, and Teleco. However, Kenyan police and their Haitian counterparts have cleared the routes and restored normal traffic.
The MSS mission has also foiled several coordinated gang assaults, including an attempted attack on a police station in Savien and another in Pétion-Ville. Ombaka credited swift, coordinated responses for neutralizing these threats. He said the success reflects improved planning and resilience among Kenyan police in Haiti, who continue to operate in extremely volatile conditions.
Kenyan Forces Repel Gang Attacks and Expand Operations
The MSS operation has not only focused on defensive strategies but has also gone on the offensive. Ombaka revealed that Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) have been established in towns hit hardest by insecurity. These bases allow faster deployment, regular patrols, and a permanent security presence in vulnerable areas.
By creating these operational hubs, the MSS aims to dismantle gang strongholds and cut off their ability to terrorize communities. Ombaka explained that the approach has significantly reduced response times during emergencies and given residents a renewed sense of safety.
However, challenges remain. Haiti is still reeling from waves of violence that have claimed more than 3,000 lives in 2025 alone. The United States recently issued a security alert after heavy gunfire erupted near its embassy, underscoring the severity of the crisis.
Kenya has been part of the MSS mission for more than a year, with the first batch of officers deployed in June 2024. The arrival of the fourth contingent at Toussaint Louverture International Airport on February 6, 2025, reinforced the commitment to stabilize the country. Yet, gangs continue to exert control over large parts of Haiti, making it clear that the mission is far from over.
The Growing Role of Kenyan Police in Haiti
The Kenyan police in Haiti are now seen as a critical force in the global fight against organized crime. Their presence signals Africa’s growing role in international peacekeeping missions. While the Caribbean crisis persists, Kenyan officers have proven that coordinated, well-planned action can push back against gang dominance.
Their continued efforts are restoring vital services, protecting schools, and reopening transport routes. The establishment of Forward Operating Bases shows that the mission is evolving from short-term crisis response to long-term stabilization.
Ombaka said the MSS remains committed to protecting Haitian lives and infrastructure, regardless of the challenges. For now, the success of Kenyan police in Haiti is a glimmer of hope for a nation struggling to reclaim peace from the grip of gangs.
