The first tranche of Kenyan police officers has arrived in Haiti in a bid to end lawlessness that have been plaguing the country.

Haiti’s interim Prime Minister Garry Conille believes the 400 officers bring with them a “unique opportunity” to restore order.

The Caribbean nation has been grappling with escalating violence which followed the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Rival armed groups took control of the capital, Port-au-Prince, earlier this year, forcing Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign weeks later.

Armed gangs now control an estimated 80% of the city.

The United Nations has approved a policing mission made of 2,500 officers, including 1,000 pledged by Kenya tasked with restoring security to allow Haiti to host its first elections since 2016.

US President Joe Biden believes the Kenyan-led mission offers the “best chance” to achieve democratic governance in Haiti.