A delegation of Kenyan police officials arrived in Haiti on Monday as part of an advance team to inspect the country’s infrastructure and prepare for the deployment of Kenyan forces.
The Kenyan contingent, led by Deputy Inspector General Noor Gabow, will serve as the Force Commander of the upcoming Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
Officials said the first group of Kenyan police officers, expected to number around 200 personnel, will deploy to Haiti in the coming days. They will be drawn from specialized units like the Rapid Deployment Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, and Border Patrol Unit.
Kenya plans to contribute over 1,000 police to the UN-backed mission, which also includes forces from Chile, Jamaica, Grenada, Paraguay, Burundi, Chad, Nigeria and Mauritius.
The Kenyan advance team’s visit is aimed at finalizing logistical arrangements before the main deployment. Haiti’s airport and other key infrastructure have already been prepared to receive the international forces.
The multinational security operation is being set up to help the Haitian government combat the widespread gang violence that has crippled the country in recent months.