Multinational Security Support (MSS) Spokesperson Jack Mbaka stated that some Kenyan police officers will remain in the UN-led Haiti mission during its transition to a new force. The mission has entered a transition and drawdown phase, with officers returning home in batches. No full withdrawal timeline has been provided.
Multinational Security Support (MSS) Spokesperson Jack Mbaka told journalists on March 19 in Haiti that Kenya is reducing its police officer numbers ahead of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) arrival to take over security duties. “The mission has now entered a transition and drawdown phase that will see more officers gradually return home from their tour of duty,” Mbaka stated. The GSF, a UN-authorised intervention backed by US funding, is set to deploy from April with an initial small contingent from Chad, expanding to a 5,500-strong multinational force. Mbaka did not disclose the number of Kenyan officers staying as a bridge during the handover. He declined to provide a full withdrawal timetable for the mission, which has seen three Kenyan police officers killed. On March 17, 215 officers returned to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), greeted by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja. Kenya is expected to fully exit Haiti around October 2026 per UN and US timelines, but gradually. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted last month that personnel pledges are solid, though donor funding is ongoing. Kenya led the mission since 2023 after Canada declined, deploying a peak of about 1,100 officers against a planned 2,500.
