PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Kenya has deployed hundreds of additional police officers to Haiti to reinforce law enforcement amid escalating gang violence, officials reported Tuesday. The move comes as a UN-led security mission attempts to stabilize the country’s capital, which is largely under the control of armed criminal groups.

Details of the Deployment

On Monday, 230 Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti, replacing 100 officers whose service ended, according to a Haitian government source who spoke on condition of anonymity. The new personnel aim to maintain pressure on gangs that have dominated Port-au-Prince and other key areas, exacerbating the nation’s political and security crisis.

Haiti has faced worsening instability since early 2024, when criminal gangs forced then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. These armed groups now reportedly control 90 percent of the capital, engaging in widespread murders, kidnappings, looting, and sexual violence.

UN Security Mission and Challenges

The United Nations Security Council approved a multinational security mission led by Kenya in 2023 to support the under-resourced Haitian police. However, the mission currently operates with only 1,000 officers out of the planned 2,500, limiting its ability to fully address the scale of gang activity.

In late September, the Security Council approved the development of a more robust anti-gang force, aiming to strengthen security ahead of upcoming elections.

Haiti’s Political and Humanitarian Context

Haiti remains the poorest country in the Americas, with political instability persisting for nearly a decade. The nation has not held elections in nine years, and a transitional government is in place. Legislative and presidential elections are scheduled for summer 2026, raising hopes for a gradual restoration of governance and stability.

Despite international support, Haitian authorities continue to face enormous challenges in restoring law and order amid entrenched gang control.