In Summary
Kenyan police in Haiti under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) have experienced delays in receiving their UN-backed salaries.
The mission has assured that the payment process is finalized, and funds will be credited this week.
Equipment from France and the USA has boosted the mission, with more resources expected soon.
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| Kenya Haiti mission Officers Img:file |
The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti has addressed the delay in salaries for Kenyan police officers deployed to the Caribbean nation. These officers, who landed in Haiti to help restore order amidst rampant gang violence, have been awaiting their mission-related salaries for nearly two months. The first group arrived on June 25, followed by a second contingent on July 16.
Despite assurances, the officers and their families back in Kenya have raised concerns about the delay, noting that the officers are supposed to receive at least KSh 100,000 in addition to their regular salaries. The MSSM issued a statement on Monday confirming that the disbursement process has been finalized, and payments are expected to reflect in the officers' accounts within the week.
"The process for the disbursement of salaries to the MSSM officers' accounts has been finalized, and it is expected that the same will soon be reflected in their individual bank accounts in the course of this week," the statement read. The mission further emphasized that mechanisms are now in place to ensure timely payments at the end of each month.
To reassure the concerned officers and their families, the MSSM clarified that there is no cause for alarm regarding welfare issues, as all mainstream processes have been completed. The Kenyan officers, who are among more than 400 personnel in the mission, have continued to receive their regular salaries from Kenya while awaiting the additional mission-related compensation.
The MSSM operates under the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy and Trust Fund, which is voluntarily supported by various donor countries. To date, many countries, including the United States, have contributed to the fund, facilitating the ongoing operations.
"We are happy to report that the concerned body has moved with speed to put in place elaborate mechanisms and framework which have operationalized the usage of the Trust Fund," the MSSM statement added.
Despite these logistical challenges, the mission has made significant strides. MSSM and the Haitian National Police (HNP) have accomplished several milestones, even while still in the deployment phase. The mission has recently received more equipment from France and the United States, further strengthening its capabilities. Notably, France delivered 24 armored personnel carriers (APCs) with turrets, and the USA provided additional MaxxPros, with more equipment expected in the coming weeks.
These developments come as the mission continues its efforts to stabilize Haiti, a nation plagued by gang violence that has displaced nearly 600,000 people and left millions facing severe hunger. Kenyan police are playing a crucial role in these operations, with the MSSM's Force Commander, Godfrey Otunge, warning gang leaders that their days are numbered.
Otunge highlighted the enhanced cooperation between Kenyan special forces and Haiti's SWAT team, which has fostered synergy among the teams. He assured the Haitian population that justice will be served, and the mission is committed to ensuring peace and democracy in the country.
The mission’s first phase of pre-deployment is nearing completion, with additional force-contributing countries like the Bahamas and Jamaica expected to join soon. Meanwhile, the MSSM officers remain focused and committed to the mission's success, confident that their welfare concerns are being addressed by the leadership of Kenya, the Trust Fund Advisory Board, and the MSSM itself.
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