The U.S. government has frozen more than $13 million (Sh1.7 billion) in funding for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Mission in Haiti following President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on foreign aid.
The United Nations confirmed the decision on Tuesday, catching many officials, including those in Kenya, by surprise. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated, “The U.S. had committed $15 million to the trust fund; $1.7 million of that had already been spent, so $13.3 million is now frozen.” Washington has also issued an immediate stop-work order on its contribution.
The mission, which was authorized by the UN Security Council but is not a UN operation, relies on voluntary funding. So far, it has made limited progress in restoring stability in Haiti, where gang violence continues to escalate. Around 900 personnel from Kenya, El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Belize are currently deployed, far short of the planned 2,500.
Trump’s aid freeze, part of his broader “America First” foreign policy review, has impacted humanitarian efforts, including clinics treating HIV/AIDS patients and security advisers assisting Haiti’s police and the Kenya-led force. The U.S. remains the largest donor to Haiti, but it is unclear if funding for the security mission will resume.
Despite Kenya’s commitment of 1,000 police officers to the mission, the lack of sufficient funding and resources has slowed its progress. Haiti continues to struggle with widespread gang control, a worsening humanitarian crisis, and rising displacement, with over 5,600 people killed in gang violence last year alone.
