Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday met with a delegation from the United Nations, led by UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, Dr Stephen Jackson, to discuss Kenya’s role in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti. The meeting comes at a crucial time, as uncertainty looms over the peacekeeping initiative due to funding challenges following a policy shift by the new US administration.
Murkomen reaffirmed that the MSS Mission has the full backing of the UN, highlighting the international organization’s role in preparing Kenyan police officers before deployment.
“We discussed some of the ongoing partnerships between the government and the UN. We’re grateful to the UN for providing technical support in training our police officers before they embark on the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti,” Murkomen stated.
The discussion follows President William Ruto’s recent announcement that the US had exempted the MSS Mission in Haiti from its foreign funding freeze. This exemption offers a significant boost to Kenya’s commitment to leading the mission, ensuring that crucial financial and logistical support remains intact.
Beyond Haiti, Murkomen noted that the UN is actively supporting Kenya’s broader security and governance reforms. This includes technical assistance in implementing peace processes and police reforms aimed at enhancing law enforcement efficiency.
One of the key areas of collaboration is Kenya’s shift in refugee management from a purely humanitarian approach to a development-focused model under the “Shirika Plan.” This initiative aims to integrate refugees into local communities and economies, reducing dependency on aid and fostering sustainable development.
Additionally, Murkomen confirmed the UN’s involvement in advancing Kenya’s digital transformation in policing. This includes the rollout of a digital Occurrence Book (OB) to modernize crime reporting and record-keeping. Furthermore, infrastructure development is underway for the implementation of instant traffic fines, a measure expected to enhance road safety and streamline law enforcement.
Kenya’s leadership in the MSS Mission is viewed as a critical step in stabilizing Haiti, a nation grappling with severe gang violence and political instability. The mission aligns with Kenya’s growing role in global peacekeeping efforts, reinforcing its position as a key player in international security.
As Kenya moves forward with its commitment, continued UN support and the recent US exemption from funding restrictions will be instrumental in ensuring the successful deployment and impact of the mission.
