Kenya to hold cultural event in support of Haiti – PS Korir

Kenya plans to hold a cultural event to enhance its relationship with Haiti.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Singoei Korir said this will be held in Nairobi to showcase the cultures of both countries and hence bond them.

“We came up with this idea of a cultural event. A set of cultural initiatives to generate solidarity in support of this deployment so that Kenyans can connect with this mission and so that Haitians as well can be able to connect psychologically with this mission,” he said.

He said they are seeking to generate a conversation on the deployment and came up with the initiative dubbed Harmony4Haiti Concert and Cultural Festival to be held on August 24 at Uhuru Gardens.

“As Unesco says in its charter- since wars begin the minds of men, it is the minds of men that the defence of peace must be constructed."

He made the revelations when he held a joint briefing with the @Africa4Haiti254 Initiative (A4H) to highlight Kenya's commitment to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, reflecting Kenya's unwavering dedication to global peace and stability.

“The MSS Mission has seen substantial progress, with Kenyan forces playing a pivotal role in support of the Haitian Government and the maintenance of security,” Sing'oei said.

Edward Githaiga, an official of Africa4Haiti Initiative, noted that Kenya and Africa as a whole and Haiti share deep historical and cultural ties.

“It is our duty to honour and strengthen these connections. Haiti's resilience and courage continue to inspire us, and it is this shared legacy that drives our commitment to supporting Haiti in its current challenges,” Githaiga said.

Githaiga added that Kenya and Haiti share a strong bond built on mutual respect and cooperation in the multilateral arena.

This event aims to highlight the rich cultural heritage of Haiti and Africa, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

The event will feature a series of activities, including musical performances by renowned artists from Haiti and Africa, a cultural exhibition showcasing Haitian and African art, crafts, and cuisine and a panel discussion on the historical, cultural, and socio-economic ties between Haiti and Africa.

Kenyan police are in Haiti to help the local officials stabilize from gangs that had almost overrun the capital.

Kenya police in Haiti are undergoing linguistic and intercultural training classes to enhance their operations in the Caribbean nation.

The team will get classes for French and Haitian Creole, which are the languages of the Haitian institutions and population.