Kenya and the Dominican Republic have signed a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate medical evacuation, repatriation of wounded personnel and deceased bodies, and provide logistical access through Dominican territory for Kenyan officers deployed in Haiti under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission.
In a statement on Tuesday, May 13, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary said the agreement is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of Kenyan personnel participating in the mission.
According to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the MoU shows Kenya’s commitment to supporting the MSS initiative while prioritizing the protection and care of its forces on the ground.
He further appreciated the role of the Dominican Republic in facilitating the initiative.
"The MoU is a testament to the commitment by the Kenya Government to supporting the MSS Mission while taking necessary steps, including establishing evacuation protocols, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Kenya's personnel in Haiti.
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"We appreciate the cooperation of the Dominican Republic in the MSS Mission, which highlights the importance and value of nations coming together to achieve sustainable peace in the region for the greater good of humanity," he said.
On the other hand, Dominican Republic's Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez highlighted the significance of the collaboration, describing it as a genuine expression of support for those serving in high-risk environments.
"The MoU represents a genuine commitment to those who risk their lives to achieve a safer future for Haiti and the region.
"We are deeply satisfied to have provided medical care to about 20 MSS members, offering them the respectful, dignified and compassionate care they deserve for their exemplary courage and sacrifice in support of a brotherly nation and regional security," he stated.
In addition to the evacuation and medical agreement, the two nations also signed another MoU focused on diplomatic training.
The MoU is meant to enhance cooperation and facilitate exchanges between the Dominican Republic’s Institute of Higher Education in Diplomatic and Consular Training and Kenya’s Foreign Service Academy.
During the signing, Mudavadi was accompanied National Security Advisor Ambassador Monica Juma, Ambassador-designate to the Dominican Republic Everlyne Mwenda Karisa, and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Prime Cabinet Secretary Mercy Odongo, among others.
