Kenya Faces Major Setback As U.S. Halts Funding for Haiti Mission
Kenya’s efforts to stabilize Haiti have hit a major roadblock following the United States’ decision to freeze funding for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. The announcement, made on February 5, 2025, by UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, comes just days after a fresh contingent of Kenyan officers arrived in the crisis-stricken Caribbean nation.
The MSS mission, spearheaded by Kenya under the authorization of UN Security Council Resolution 2699 (2023), was designed to support Haitian authorities in their battle against rampant gang violence. However, the U.S. government has abruptly halted its financial contributions to the mission, significantly affecting operations.
“We received an official notification from the U.S. asking for an immediate stop-work order on their contribution to the MSS trust fund,” Dujarric confirmed.
The decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader agenda to reduce U.S. foreign aid spending. His administration has also pushed for a significant scale-down of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a move that could further impact global aid programs.
Haiti on the Brink of Collapse
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had previously warned that Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, faced imminent collapse if the international community did not step up support for the security mission. He emphasized the urgent need for additional funds, personnel, and equipment to prevent gangs from overrunning the entire metropolitan area and dismantling Haiti’s already fragile security institutions.
Despite the U.S. funding freeze, Kenya remains committed to leading the mission, with President William Ruto actively engaging with international stakeholders to keep the mission operational.
Diplomatic Talks Between Kenya and the U.S.
The funding halt comes just days after President Ruto held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on January 27, 2025. Their discussion centered on Kenya’s leadership in the Haiti mission, regional security concerns, and the broader U.S.-Kenya partnership.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, Secretary Rubio commended Kenya’s efforts in promoting regional stability and underscored the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
While the U.S. had already contributed $15 million to the MSS trust fund—second only to Canada’s $63 million—it had also directly provided over $300 million in funds and equipment, including armored vehicles. However, Washington’s sudden funding freeze now raises questions about the mission’s long-term viability.
Kenyan Troops on the Ground in Haiti
The funding setback comes as Kenyan security forces continue their deployment in Haiti. An additional 217 officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit, along with specialized medical, mechanical, and communications teams, recently joined the initial group of 400 officers who arrived in June 2024.
President Ruto, addressing the issue during a speech at the Global Cathedral Church in Nairobi on January 26, assured Kenyans that the mission still has significant international backing. He also claimed that President Trump’s administration had expressed continued support for Kenya’s efforts in Haiti.
“I am very proud that even President Trump, with this new administration, supports Kenya’s mission in Haiti to help the women and children of that nation experience peace and stability,” Ruto stated.
As Kenya navigates this diplomatic and financial hurdle, the fate of the MSS mission remains uncertain. With Haiti teetering on the edge of further chaos, international players will need to step up or risk a complete breakdown of security in the region.
