Kenya to hold concert, launch podcast in support of Haiti

Gang wars have spiraled in the Caribean nation since 2021, and Kenya is now leading a United Nations-ratified peace mission. 

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, as well as to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.

Some of the activities during the concert will include musical performances from Kenyan and Haitian artists, cultural exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops and seminars. 

A theatrical play dubbed ‘Arise’ will be showcased and a podcast titled A4H. The play will depict resilience of Haitian people while the podcast will be dedicated to discussing 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 while nations such as The Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda expressed will to help.

On June 25, 2024, the first batch of 400 Kenya police officers arrived in Port-au-Prince, with Prime Minister Garry Conille assuring Haitians that the state will regain power and restore peace in the country. 

200 other officers left for Haiti on July 15, 2024. "More will be departing soon until we have all the 1,000," a senior police officer confirmed to AFP.