MPs approve deployment of police to Haiti

By Peter Ochieng

Members of Parliament (MPs) have approved the deployment of Kenyan police to Haiti.

MPs took a vote on the matter on Thursday morning, eventually approving Kenyan police participation in the United Nations (UN) sanctioned security mission, aimed at tackling gangs in the Caribbean nation.

The legislatures adopted the joint committees’ report that had recommended approval of the deployment.

“The Committees having reviewed Kenya’s obligations to the UN, its existing legal framework, submissions through public participation and submissions by stakeholders recommends that Parliament approves the proposed deployment of the National Police Service to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission for Haiti under the provisions of the Constitution,” the recommendations read in part.

Kenya has agreed to deploy 1,000 police officers to Haiti, in collaboration with other countries such as Jamaica and Bahamas.

The deployment, which is expected to commence in January 2024 will however await determination of a case filed by the Thirdway Alliance party, which is against the move.

Last week, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kithure Kindiki said Kenya will not allow its troops to exit the Country for Haiti until all the required resources, including equipment and finances, are mobilised and availed.

"No taxpayers' money will be spent to deploy the 1,000 National Police Service Officers as part of the Multi-National Security Support in Haiti. The cost of deployment will be borne by United Nations member states through voluntary contributions."

"Deployment of National Police Service Officers to Haiti will neither compromise nor undermine the capacity and capability of the service to fulfil its mandate to secure citizens and their property," he added.

He spoke while appearing before the Joint Sitting of National Assembly and Senate Committees on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on the request for approval by Parliament of deployment of NPS officers to Haiti.

It is estimated that Kenya police deployment to Haiti will cost Sh36 billion to be footed by UN.