The plan, discussed during a meeting between Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and a high-ranking Haitian security delegation in Nairobi, aims to bring stability to Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince.
The meeting, held at the National Police Service Headquarters, highlighted Haiti's urgent need for support in curbing gang activities that have devastated communities.
Joachim Prohete, a senior Haitian Police official, expressed gratitude for Nairobi's assistance, emphasizing the critical role Kenya's police deployment will play in restoring order.
Reports indicate that gang violence in Haiti has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with over 4,451 deaths attributed to such violence in the previous year alone. By March 2024, another 1,554 lives had been claimed, underscoring the severity of the situation.
The initiative involves not only sending 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Haiti but also includes plans to train 2,000 Haitian police personnel in Kenya.
This comprehensive approach aims to bolster Haiti's law enforcement capabilities, enabling local authorities to better tackle the criminal networks that control much of the island.
The training program for Haitian officers will cover essential aspects of law enforcement and combat techniques.
Although specific dates for the Haitian officers' training in Kenya have yet to be announced, the program is expected to last two weeks, with officers returning to Haiti by mid-June 2024.
However, the deployment plan has faced legal challenges within Kenya, with court battles questioning the legality and necessity of sending Kenyan officers abroad.
Inspector General Japhet Koome reassured the Haitian delegation of Nairobi's commitment to collaboration, emphasizing the mission's humanitarian importance.
The goal, he stated, is to protect vulnerable groups in Haiti, particularly women and children, from the scourge of gang violence.
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