New Blow for Ruto as Trump Freezes Funding for the Kenyan-Led Haiti Peacekeeping Mission

What the U.S. Funding Freeze Means for Kenya

Trump’s administration has paused U.S. financial support for the Haiti peacekeeping mission for 90 days, citing a review to determine if the mission aligns with U.S. foreign policy. This move is part of Trump’s “America First” approach, which has historically prioritized domestic interests over international commitments.

The decision comes as more than 600 Kenyan peacekeepers remain stationed in Haiti, alongside newly deployed troops from El Salvador. Under President Joe Biden, Kenya’s leadership role in Haiti was strongly backed, but with Trump in office, this support is now in jeopardy.

The Fragile State of the Haiti Peacekeeping Mission

The Haiti mission, already struggling with logistical and financial challenges, was initially set to conclude in October 2024. However, a review extended its mandate until October 2025. Kenya, under President Ruto’s leadership, embraced the mission despite significant opposition at home.

Critics questioned why Kenya was committing troops to stabilize Haiti while facing its own internal security challenges. Legal battles in Kenyan courts delayed the deployment, but the mission eventually moved forward. Now, Trump’s decision threatens to undermine its sustainability, leaving Kenya with the difficult choice of continuing without U.S. support or scaling back its involvement.

Why the Stakes Are Higher for Kenya

For Kenya, this isn’t just about peacekeeping in a country thousands of miles away; it’s about the financial and safety implications tied directly to its troops on the ground.

The decision to pause U.S. funding directly affects the allowances and salaries of Kenyan troops deployed in Haiti. These benefits serve as key motivating factors for soldiers undertaking such risky missions. With morale potentially plummeting, and criminal gangs in Haiti emboldened by the uncertainty surrounding the mission, Kenyan soldiers could face increased danger.

Kenyan officials, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Office of the President, remain tight-lipped on the matter. However, calls are growing for President Ruto to prioritize the safety of Kenyan troops and consider an immediate withdrawal. Waiting for the 90-day period to lapse could create even more challenges.