Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will host a Concert and Cultural Festival called Harmony4Haiti to show solidarity with the people of Haiti. Since 2021, gang wars have escalated in the Caribbean nation, and Kenya is now leading a United Nations-ratified peace mission there.
On Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei announced that the Ministry, in partnership with the Africa4Haiti Initiative, will hold the concert on August 24, 2024. “The event is envisioned to be more than just a celebration; it is a demonstration of our solidarity with the people of Haiti and our commitment to their progress and prosperity,” Sing’oei said.
The ceremony will feature activities designed to highlight the cultural heritage of Haiti and Africa and to foster mutual understanding and cooperation. Activities during the concert will include musical performances by Kenyan and Haitian artists, cultural exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops, and seminars.
A theatrical play titled ‘Arise’ will be showcased, depicting the resilience of the Haitian people, and a podcast titled A4H will be dedicated to discussing the challenges and opportunities in Haiti.
Kenya and Haiti formally established diplomatic relations in 2023 after the UN Security Council approved the multinational security mission. Kenya leads the security mission, with nations such as The Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua, and Barbuda also expressing their willingness to help.
On June 25, 2024, the first batch of 400 Kenyan police officers arrived in Port-au-Prince, with Prime Minister Garry Conille assuring Haitians that the state will regain power and restore peace. Another 200 officers left for Haiti on July 15, 2024. “More will be departing soon until we have all 1,000,” a senior police officer confirmed to AFP.
