Kenya is actively pursuing stronger international support for its peacekeeping efforts in Haiti through a planned visit to the Dominican Republic by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi. The visit, taking place from May 11-13, 2025, aims to bolster the ongoing Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which has been critical in addressing the security challenges in Haiti, particularly in the face of growing gang violence and instability.
During his trip, Mudavadi is expected to sign key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Dominican Republic government. These agreements will focus on vital support areas such as medical evacuation, repatriation of wounded or deceased personnel, and access to Dominican territory for Kenyan forces deployed in Haiti. The Kenyan police officers in Haiti, who have been at the forefront of combating violent gangs, have faced increasing security risks, including fatalities and injuries. Reports indicate that at least two Kenyan officers have been killed, while others have sustained serious injuries due to inadequate equipment, such as armored vehicles and helmets failing to provide adequate protection against gunfire.
The Kenya-led mission, which is now in its second year, continues to receive backing from international bodies such as the United Nations and the United States. In a related development, Mudavadi’s recent discussions in Washington, D.C. with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Kenya’s leadership in the Haiti MSS mission and other initiatives aimed at fostering regional stability.
In addition to the security support, Kenya also aims to strengthen diplomatic ties by signing an agreement between the Dominican Republic’s Institute of Higher Education in Diplomatic and Consular Training and Kenya’s Foreign Service Academy. This collaboration is expected to enhance capacity building and diplomatic relations between the two nations, furthering their shared goals of global peace and stability.
