PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - Kenya sent more than 200 police officers to Haiti on Saturday, providing backup to an understaffed security mission in the Caribbean country where rampant gang violence has displaced more than a million people.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenya has deployed 217 more police officers to Haiti as part of a multinational force to curb gang violence plaguing the Caribbean nation, Kenya's interior minister said on Saturday. According to the minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, the police officers departed from Kenya on Friday.

There are still significant challenges with the funding that were already there with the Biden administration.”

Kenya has deployed 270 additional police officers to Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission.

Kenyan President William Ruto said the plan is eventually to send 2,500 police officers to Haiti under the UN-backed mission.

Kenya has deployed 217 more police officers to Haiti to provide backup to an understaffed security mission in the Caribbean country where spiralling gang violence has displaced more than a million people,

The female SWAT team comprises women who have undergone rigorous training and are designed to handle high-risk situations.

The 217 officers will reinforce the first batch of 400 officers who were deployed last year to the Caribbean nation to restore peace. Gang violence killed at least 5,601 people in Haiti in 2024

Kenya first deployed 400 officers to Haiti in June where Kenyan President William Ruto expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to lasting peace in Haiti, noting their integrity, professionalism and expertise. The Kenyan police have made strides in improving security and stability in Haiti, despite the challenging environment.

Kenya deployed over 200 police officers to Haiti to strengthen the anti-gang mission amid escalating violence. With over a million displaced, the U.N.-backed initiative has seen pledges from 10 countries but minimal action.