Kenyan Police patrols expand in Port-au-Prince amid concerns

In the heart of Port-au-Prince, Kenyan police officers are now patrolling alongside their Haitian counterparts. Initially deployed in June, these forces were primarily stationed near the U.S. Embassy.

This week, their presence has extended to areas surrounding the main international airport.

A newly arrived contingent of 200 Kenyan police officers has bolstered their numbers, supported logistically and financially by the United States.

This multinational security force is set to grow to 2,500 personnel, with the primary objective of quelling violence perpetrated by armed gangs.

The United Nations-led mission was initially slated to last one year, until October 2024, contingent on the timely deployment of all forces.

However, on the ground, concerns are mounting. Haitian opposition groups and human rights organizations express unease over the Kenyan police’s methods, citing accusations of excessive use of force.

As this international effort intensifies, the debate over its impact and approach continues to unfold in Haiti.