Kenya to open consulate in Haiti to support peace mission and boost diplomacy
The consulate is expected to help restore stability in Haiti by providing strategic backing to Kenyan-led efforts.
Kenya has deepened its international reach with the Cabinet’s approval to open a consulate in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as part of ongoing peacekeeping and diplomatic efforts in the Caribbean nation.
The decision, made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto on April 29, is meant to support Kenya’s leadership in a peace support mission in Haiti and strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
The Cabinet said the move shows Kenya’s "commitment to promoting global peace and security."
The diplomatic office will offer services to Kenyan nationals in Haiti and play a wider role in advancing the country’s international interests.
The consulate is expected to help restore stability in Haiti by providing strategic backing to Kenyan-led efforts on the ground.
It will also support Kenya’s diplomatic mission by engaging local partners, supporting deployed personnel, and deepening cooperation between the two countries.
Beyond peacekeeping, the consulate will handle key consular services such as renewing passports, issuing emergency travel documents, and registering Kenyans working or living in Haiti.
Kenyans who find themselves in emergencies like accidents, crime, or other distressing events will also be able to seek help from the consulate.
It will offer guidance and assistance, including possible evacuations when needed.
The consulate will further be used to push Kenya’s economic diplomacy goals.
It will encourage discussions around trade and investment and share useful market information with stakeholders in both countries.
Trade ties between Kenya and Haiti are expected to grow under the new arrangement, giving businesses from both nations a platform to explore opportunities and partnerships.
The relationship between Nairobi and Port-au-Prince began to take shape in September 2023 when the two countries formalised diplomatic relations and pledged to exchange ambassadors.
A joint communiqué released at the time underlined their joint commitment to friendship, shared values, and mutual respect.
That announcement came just before Kenya agreed to lead a peacekeeping mission supported by the United Nations in Haiti.
Kenyan officers have since been deployed to help stabilize a country struggling with gang-related violence and deep political challenges.
Kenyan forces have played a vital part in Haiti, including securing the main international airport in Port-au-Prince, which had remained closed for several months.