NPS commemorated two months since the first Kenya Police Contingent to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to Haiti was deployed in Port-au-Prince on the Caribbean Coast.
The National Police Service (NPS) has provided a progress report regarding the first contingent of police officers sent to Haiti.
The statement on Monday, August 26 came as NPS commemorated two months since the first Kenya Police Contingent to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to Haiti was deployed in Port-au-Prince on the Caribbean Coast.
Although still in its deployment phase, the MSS team continues to register significant progress, through their cooperation with the Haiti National Police and the people of Haiti.
Kenyan police patrol Haiti streets to ensure familiarity and calm on June 28, 2024. /VIRAL TEA KE
The NPS cited three achievements the force has been able to attain in the two months it has been deployed to combat marauding gangs.
“Consequently, MSS has managed to pacify threats to public safety and security, taken over critical infrastructure including the airport from gang control, and opened up critical roads that have enabled the return of thousands of Haitians earlier displaced,” the statement read in part.
The NPS further noted that it is also working very closely with other countries, partners and the United Nations to ensure continued support to the MSS.
On the other hand, the service indicated that officers deployed still receive their entitled pay, dismissing claims of delayed payment of salaries to Kenyan police officers in Haiti.
“In the meantime, NPS Officers continue to draw their NPS salaries and the processing of their MSS deployment allowances has also been finalised,” added the statement.
The Service went on to commend the MSS Force Commander, Godfrey Otunge, SAIG and his team for their patriotism and dedication to duty and wished them success in their Mission to restore peace and stability in Haiti.
Kenya deployed the troops to help alleviate escalating gang violence that gripped the Caribbean country since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in 2023.
President William Ruto on June 24, 2024, flagged off the first batch of 400 police officers as part of the 1,000 officers Kenya pledged to deploy to the country.
The officers have been deployed to guard key installations including embassies.
Kenya Police deployed to Haiti guard the US embassy in Port-au-Prince. /PATRICE NOEL