Visiting Kenya’s First Cabinet Secretary and Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Musalia Mudavadi signed a memorandum of understanding regarding medical evacuation, repatriation of injured personnel, and deceased Kenyans who are part of the MSS. “This agreement demonstrates our genuine commitment to those risking their lives for a safer future in Haiti and our region,” Minister Álvarez stated, adding that the Dominican Republic has already provided medical care to nearly two dozen MSS members, ensuring they receive dignified and respectful treatment.
The meeting took place with the Ministry of Foreign Relations on 12 May 2025. It marks the first political consultation between the two nations, addressing mutual interests such as trade, security, cultural exchange, and cooperation in regards to the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSS). Established by the United Nations Security Council through Resolution 2699 on 2 October 2023, Kenya leads this mission.
During the gathering at the Foreign Ministry, the Dominican government expressed gratitude to Kenya for its support of Haiti through the deployment of the MSS, which has been instrumental in addressing the grave situation in the country. However, both foreign ministers acknowledged that the mission’s effectiveness has been hindered by a lack of necessary financial and material resources for the full deployment of troops. They urged the international community to fulfill—and even increase—promised contributions to enable the mission to operate at full capacity.
Minister Mudavadi spoke of his awareness of the severe impact of Haiti’s situation on the Dominican Republic’s security. The diplomats also highlighted the pending transformation of the MSS into a hybrid mission, with logistical and operational support from a United Nations Support Office, funded by permanent peacekeeping contributions.
In response, Minister Musalia Mudavadi thanked the Dominican Republic for its support of the MSS, emphasizing its valuable role in coordinating with other nations and utilizing its diplomatic skills within the United Nations framework to secure more international collaboration for peace efforts in Haiti. The Kenyan diplomat also expressed gratitude for the tribute paid during the visit to Kenyan soldiers who lost their lives in Haiti.
Additionally, the ministers signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation and exchange between the Dominican Republic’s Diplomatic and Consular Training Higher Education Institute and Kenya’s Foreign Service Academy.
Both ministers indicated their desire to further strengthen bilateral relations by establishing embassies in Nairobi and Santo Domingo.
Participating for the DR in the talks at the Ministry of Foreign Relations were Vice Ministers Francisco Caraballo, Rubén Silié, Hugo Francisco Rivera, and Opinio Diaz, along with Ambassador José Blanco, concurrent to Kenya. Other notable members were Boni Guerrero (Legal Director), Anselmo Muñiz (Director of Strategic Studies and Analysis), Alixandra Morel (interim Director for Africa and the Middle East), and Mao Enua Gómez (Department of Security).
The Kenyan delegation comprised designated Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Everlyne Mwenda Karisa, National Security Chief Mónica Juma, Deputy Chief of Staff Mercy Odongo, Acting Deputy Director for the Americas and Caribbean Dan Ochieng, Minister/Chief of Chancery at the Embassy in Havana Patrick N. Nzusi, Deputy Director of the Foreign Service Academy Victoria Rotich, and Ian Kusienya from the Legal and Host Country Affairs Department.
During his official schedule, the Kenyan Foreign Minister is set to meet with Dominican President Luis Abinader, Senate president Ricardo de los Santos, Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, Minister of Public Health Víctor Atallah, and Minister of Industry and Commerce Víctor Bisonó.
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Presidency
KBC
13 May 2025