By Kelly Were
Kenya and the Dominican Republic have taken significant steps to strengthen their diplomatic relations following high-level consultations in Santo Domingo this week.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, led the Kenyan delegation in discussions with Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, resulting in two important memoranda of understanding.
The talks focused heavily on Kenya’s leadership role in the United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti, which was established through UN Security Council Resolution 2699 in October 2023.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the Dominican Republic in the MSS Mission, which highlights the importance and value of nations coming together to achieve sustainable peace in the region for the greater good of humanity,” Dr. Mudavadi said during the meetings.
Both leaders acknowledged the mission’s achievements in enhancing the capacity of the Haitian National Police but expressed concern about operational challenges. They emphasized the urgent need for international partners to fulfill their pledged contributions to enable the mission to operate at full capacity.
A key outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Medical Evacuation, Repatriation of Wounded Persons and Bodies, and Logistical Access to Dominican Territory for Kenyan personnel serving in Haiti.
Dr. Mudavadi stated that the agreement “is a testament to the commitment by the Kenya Government to supporting the MSS Mission while taking necessary steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Kenya’s personnel in Haiti.”
The leaders also expressed interest in establishing embassies in Nairobi and Santo Domingo to further strengthen bilateral relations.
A second Memorandum of Understanding on Diplomatic Training was signed to facilitate cooperation and exchange between Kenya’s Foreign Service Academy and the Dominican Republic’s Institute of Higher Education in Diplomatic and Consular Training.
The Kenyan delegation included National Security Advisor Dr. Monica Juma and Ambassador-designate to the Dominican Republic Everlyne Mwenda Karisa, among other officials.
Dominican representatives included several Deputy Ministers and José Blanco, Dominican Ambassador to Canada accredited to Kenya.
During his visit, Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi is scheduled to meet with Dominican President Luis Abinader and other high-ranking officials, including the Senate President, and Ministers of Defense, Public Health, and Industry and Commerce.
