Kenya-Led Haiti Mission Assured of Funding Despite Sh1.7B U.S. Aid Freeze

National Security Advisor to President William Ruto, Monica Juma, has reassured the public that the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti will continue operations despite a recent freeze in U.S. funding.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Juma confirmed that there is approximately $110 million (Sh12.9 billion) available in the United Nations Trust Fund designated for Haiti.

“There are sufficient funds in the UN Trust Fund for Haiti from other countries (approximately $110M) to continue operations,” Juma stated, emphasizing the mission’s priority status despite financial hiccups.

This comes in the wake of the United States government’s decision to freeze over $13 million (Sh1.7 billion) in aid to the mission, a move announced following President Donald Trump’s 90-day foreign aid pause.

The pause, effective from January 20, when Trump took office, aims to review international aid in line with his “America First” policy. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric noted that of the $15 million initially committed by the U.S., $1.7 million had already been disbursed, leaving $13.3 million frozen.

The MSS in Haiti, while approved by the UN Security Council, operates independently of direct UN control and relies heavily on voluntary contributions from member states.

The mission, which aims to stabilize the security situation in Haiti, has seen contributions from countries like Canada, which has provided more than half of the funds in the trust.

Despite the funding, the mission is struggling with only about 900 police and troops from Kenya, El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Belize on the ground, far below the planned 2,500 personnel.

The UN trust fund was established with the encouragement of the U.S. to facilitate contributions, but the response from member states has been tepid, with many citing donor fatigue.

The current funding scenario paints a picture of a mission that is under-resourced but committed to continue its humanitarian and security operations in Haiti.

Juma’s statement underscores Kenya’s determination to see the mission through, despite international financial volatility.

As the situation develops, the international community’s response to the funding needs of the MSS will be critical in determining the mission’s effectiveness and the broader implications for peacekeeping in volatile regions.