US Secretary of State Praises Kenya for Leading Haiti Security Efforts
The United States has praised Kenya for its central role in efforts to stabilise Haiti, calling Nairobi’s leadership vital to preventing further security decline in the country.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in Washington that Kenya has long been a dependable partner in counterterrorism operations across Africa, but noted that its leadership of the Haiti mission has been especially significant. He said Kenya has carried the responsibility for nearly two years, describing the commitment as demanding and essential.
According to Rubio, the progress made under Kenya’s guidance now supports the next phase of the US strategy in Haiti. The United States is preparing to shift the mission towards a specialised force focused on suppressing gangs, with the goal of reducing violence and creating conditions for political and economic recovery.
Rubio stressed that Kenya’s involvement has made this transition possible but warned that the mission cannot rely on Kenya alone. He urged neighbouring states and the wider international community to provide personnel, equipment, and funding, arguing that Haiti’s fragile gains require sustained collective support.
President William Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s long-term commitment to Haiti, confirming the country’s continued role in the new security structure. He said Kenya’s deployment has provided valuable operational experience that will support the work of the gang suppression force. Ruto reiterated that Kenya “is not going to walk away from Haiti.”
Ruto also highlighted the importance of US assistance, saying Kenya’s operations would not have been possible without American logistical and financial backing. He described the US partnership as essential to Kenya’s efforts in Haiti.
Both leaders called on members of the Organization of American States to take a more active role in the stabilisation mission, presenting Haiti’s crisis as a shared regional responsibility.
