Haitian prime minister praises Kenya’s support in stabilizing Haiti, discusses global security in Nairobi lecture

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Haiti’s Prime Minister Garry Conille, during a four-day visit to Kenya, delivered a lecture on global security at Kenya’s National Defense College (NDC) on Saturday, urging international cooperation in addressing complex threats.

Speaking to participants from 19 countries, Conille emphasized the importance of a strategic, global approach to security, highlighting the interconnected nature of challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and transnational crime. He cautioned that localized conflicts can quickly escalate into broader crises if not addressed with a unified perspective.

A statement from the Kenya Defense Forces quoted Conille expressing “gratitude for Kenya’s continued support to Haiti, particularly in strengthening the rule of law and enhancing security.” He specifically acknowledged the contributions of Kenyan security forces, who are part of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, and praised their role in the country’s stabilization efforts. Accompanying Conille were Ambassador Monica Juma, Kenya’s national security advisor, and Alfred Mutua, minister of labor and social protection.

Conille’s lecture aligns with Kenya’s current efforts to boost its support for Haiti’s national police. On Friday, President William Ruto and Prime Minister Conille held a joint press conference in Nairobi, where Ruto confirmed Kenya’s deployment of an additional 600 police officers to Haiti, bringing the total to 1,000 by January 2025 as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission.

During the conference, Conille praised the professionalism of Kenyan forces and expressed gratitude for Kenya’s commitment to Haiti’s stability. The two leaders also discussed expanding economic ties and fostering stronger collaboration between the African Union and the Caribbean Community.

President Ruto, speaking at the UN General Assembly in September, indicated that Kenya aims to complete the full deployment of 2,500 officers to Haiti by January.