Kenya's role as the leading force in the UN-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti could be scaled down and handed over to another country, barely a year after the Kenyan contingent took up the role.
The proposed changes are part of a bigger restructuring aimed at giving the mission renewed momentum in combating Haiti’s armed gangs, according to new plans by President Donald Trump's administration.
The United States is pushing to double the size of the foreign forces deployed, with the possibility of shifting overall command away from Kenya.
Speaking at an Organization of American States meeting on Wednesday, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Kimberly Penland revealed that Washington is drafting a resolution for the United Nations Security Council to “properly resource” Haiti’s fight against gang territorial control, according to the Miami Herald.
The draft resolution, which aligns with a proposal by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres to use peacekeeping funds for logistical and operational support, would also open the door to new leadership arrangements.
“Should the U.N. Security Council pursue this model, then we will also seek robust regional participation to provide strategic leadership of the force,” Penland said.
She, however, praised Kenya’s role over the past year, thanking the country “for its dedication, leadership and support at a critical moment, demonstrating enormous compassion and courage, putting its people in harm’s way thousands of miles from home while preventing a complete collapse of the Haitian state.”
Kenya-US Relations
Kenya rose to the leadership role under President Joe Biden’s administration, but Trump’s policy shift could mark a turning point in the partnership.
Questions have already emerged about the future of U.S. foreign aid to Kenya, the review of Kenya’s status as a Major Non-NATO Ally, and bigger geopolitical realignments.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi sought to calm speculation over strained ties. Spokesperson James Hagengruber, speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, reaffirmed the strength of Kenya-U.S. relations.
“The relationship between Kenya and the U.S. is still very solid based on shared values, culture, trade, and diplomatic relations in the security sector and beyond. In as much as people want to push that East narrative, the U.S. still has strong relations and one of the greatest collaborations with Kenya despite the aid cuts,” Hagengruber said.
He further noted that President William Ruto’s recent talks with the U.S. Secretary of State and his visit to Japan pointed to Nairobi’s enduring partnerships.
“These are just policy issues that can come and go. Japan itself is a major non-NATO ally, and Kenya’s engagements there show how strong its global ties remain,” he added.
