Barely five months after the United States government offered USD100 million (Ksh14 billion) for foreign officers being deployed to Haiti, the amount has now been doubled.
This was announced by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday, March 11, during a meeting with Caribbean leaders (CARICOM).
During the meeting held in Jamaica, Blinken announced that the extra Ksh14 billion would facilitate the deployment of a multinational force to the war-torn Caribbean nation.
The meeting further saw Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry resign and a post of interim prime minister was proposed.
To this end, Ksh4.6 billion was pledged by the United States government as humanitarian aid and expedite the political transition.
Following Henry's resignation, a presidential college will be formed to ensure there is no political vacuum in the country pending the anticipated elections.
“The college will take concrete steps to meet the needs of Haitian people and enable the pending deployment of the multinational force to be led by Kenya,” Blinken was quoted as saying.
The United States has continued adding funds for nations willing to send its police officers to Haiti.
Kenya, despite agreeing to deploy 1,000 police officers, has stalled in executing its commitment primarily due to court injunctions.
Additionally, reports have indicated that a section of Kenyan police officers are withdrawing from the mission.
While enlisting is mandatory and has undisclosed monetary benefits, Kenya police officers have been cited as being concerned for their safety should they go to Haiti.
The country has been overrun by gangs who have captured a majority of the government’s major installations and infrastructure.
