NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya is set to host a cultural event aimed at fostering closer ties with Haiti, in a bid to support the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Singoei Korir announced that the “Harmony4Haiti Concert and Cultural Festival” will be held on August 24 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
The event, designed to showcase the vibrant cultures of both Kenya and Haiti, seeks to generate solidarity and mutual understanding.
“We came up with this idea of a cultural event to create a connection between Kenyans and the mission in Haiti, and to help Haitians psychologically engage with our efforts,” Korir explained during a joint briefing with the @Africa4Haiti254 Initiative (A4H).
The festival will feature an array of activities including musical performances by renowned artists from both regions, a cultural exhibition displaying Haitian and African art, crafts, and cuisine, and a panel discussion exploring the historical, cultural, and socio-economic ties between Haiti and Africa.
Korir emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in peacebuilding, quoting UNESCO’s charter: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defense of peace must be constructed.”
Kenya’s involvement in the MSS Mission in Haiti underscores its commitment to global peace and stability.
Kenyan forces have been instrumental in supporting the Haitian government and maintaining security amidst challenges posed by gangs in the capital.
To enhance their operations in Haiti, Kenyan police are undergoing linguistic and intercultural training, including classes in French and Haitian Creole, the primary languages of the Haitian population and institutions.
