Kenya has firmly dismissed reports alleging that its police officers deployed in Haiti as part of a United Nations-supported peacekeeping mission have gone unpaid for three months.
The Police Inspector General, Douglas Kanja, addressed the claims on Thursday, asserting that officers had received their salaries up to the end of October.
This response came after Kenyan media cited anonymous sources within the mission who reportedly complained of prolonged delays in payment. 
Kenya leads the multinational security initiative in Haiti, a country grappling with severe gang violence and instability. The deployment in June marked the fourth major foreign intervention in Haiti’s history, following past efforts that have drawn mixed reactions.
While some Haitians have welcomed the mission, others remain skeptical due to the controversial legacy of the U.N.’s 2004–2017 peacekeeping presence, which was linked to cholera outbreaks and allegations of misconduct.
Kenya Shoulders Haiti Mission Costs
Kenya’s Treasury Minister, John Mbadi, clarified the financial arrangement last week, explaining that the Kenyan government has spent over 2 billion Kenyan shillings ($15 million) on the mission while awaiting reimbursement from the United Nations.
“This money we are spending on behalf of the U.N. comes directly from our exchequer because these are our officers,” Mbadi stated, noting that the financial responsibility lies with Kenya until the U.N. refunds the expenses.
Challenges for the Kenyan-Led Mission
Despite Kenya’s leadership in the operation, critics have raised concerns about its effectiveness. Gang violence in Haiti continues to escalate, with over 4,500 fatalities reported this year and more than 700,000 people displaced due to territorial battles by armed groups.
Observers argue that the mission has yet to make significant progress, as gang-controlled areas remain intact, and no prominent gang leaders have been apprehended. Recent U.N. discussions have stressed the need for more resources and funding to strengthen the Kenyan-led efforts.
Historical and Current Impacts
Haiti’s history with international peacekeeping missions has left a complicated legacy. Although the current intervention seeks to restore stability, its success depends heavily on resource allocation and the ability to address the deep-seated issues driving the violence.
As Kenya denies allegations of unpaid salaries, the mission continues under scrutiny, with both Haitians and the international community closely monitoring its progress.
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