President William Ruto has raised concerns about the safety of Kenyan police officers serving in Haiti, stating that they have been forced to rely on second-hand vehicles that frequently break down in hazardous areas.

Speaking during a High-Level Meeting on Haiti, in New York, USA, on September 22, 2025, Ruto revealed that the force is currently operating at only 40 per cent of its intended capacity. He explained that the initial plan was to deploy 2,500 security personnel, but fewer than 1,000 are currently on the ground. Out of the 989 officers, 735 are from Kenya, 150 from Guatemala, 78 from El Salvador, 23 from Jamaica, three from the Bahamas, and one from Canada.

“It was expected that there would be force multipliers such as armoured personnel carriers and enough logistical support to make this mission successful,” Ruto said.

“The United States did provide vehicles, but unfortunately, most of them were second-hand. They broke down many times, often in dangerous places, which put our personnel at great risk. But at least they stepped up. We did not, however, get any useful support from other quarters.”

The President stressed that his remarks were not meant to discourage international partners but to underline the need for better resourcing.

“I must be candid because I believe the situation in Haiti can be solved,” he added.

Also watch: Ruto says Haiti security mission success will improve Kenya’s global profile.

Progress despite gaps

Ruto highlighted the gains made by MSS forces in the 15 months since Kenya took charge of the mission. When the first officers landed in Port-au-Prince, the airport was surrounded by gangs, making it unsafe to land. Today, the airport is operational, with both passenger and cargo flights arriving.

The presidential palace, once under siege, is now secured by MSS personnel and houses the Haitian Presidential Council. The police headquarters and training centre, which gangs had overrun, are functioning again. The academy recently graduated 750 recruits, marking a symbolic victory against criminal groups that once controlled the compound.

Roads that were blocked by gangs have also been reopened, reconnecting communities and allowing aid to reach vulnerable areas.

Heavy price paid

Despite the progress, the mission has faced tragedy. Kenyan officers have died since deployment. In March 2025, an officer was killed during an ambush by armed gangs on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. Most recently, on August 31, a Kenyan officer lost his life in a road accident in Port-au-Prince. Two civilians were also killed in the crash, while eight other officers were injured, three of them critically.

MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka praised the resilience of the officers, noting that they had restored order under very difficult conditions.

“We are proud of our officers who have gone out of their way to ensure the Haitian people enjoy peace,” he said. He added that the mission continues to guard key facilities, including the police academy, to prevent further gang attacks.