Kenya-led Haiti mission to transition into a UN peacekeeping operation

In October last year, the UN Security Council backed Kenya's offer to lead a multinational security force to Haiti. [AFP]

President Ruto and US State Secretary Anthony Blinken on Thursday, November 7, held talks on the transition of the Kenya-led Haiti mission into a United Nations peacekeeping operation. 

The two leaders had a telephone conversation on the mission as both countries strive to stabilise Haiti and restore peace in the Caribbean nation.

"I have had a constructive conversation with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti. We discussed the transition of the mission into a UN peacekeeping operation to enhance the capability of the mission to help stabilise Haiti." Ruto posted on his X platform.

At the same time, Ruto stressed that Nairobi and Washington will continuously work together to enhance their collaboration to ensure improved governance. 

Among the key issues discussed include the fight against corruption and the provision of capacity building to make the security institutions more efficient, effective, and accountable in the discharge of their mandate.

"We discussed this pertinent issue and agreed on how our two countries will work together," Ruto added.

Last month, Ruto appealed for urgent financial support from the international community to sustain a police deployment in Haiti, which has been extended by a year.

"We are asking the international community to match their commitment and their pledges with the necessary action for us to be able to complete the task ahead of us," Kenya's President William Ruto stated.

The multinational security mission, which began in June, is helping fight gangs controlling much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and nearby areas.