ππ Kindiki Makes Case For Deployment of Kenya Police Officers to Haiti Mission to Parliamentary Security’s Committees
Kenyaβs propsed deployment of officers from the National Police Service to Haiti is not just a fulfillment of her global obligations; it also enhances her reputation as a responsible and reliable nation, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Prof. Kithure Kindiki has told a Joint Parliamentary team.
Speaking this morning when he appeared before the Joint Parliamentary Committee considering the deployment, the CS put a strong case for the Mission which is part of United Nations Multinational Security Support in Haiti. The Mission is geared towards restoring law and order as well as offering support to the Transitional Government of Haiti.
The CS who was accompanied by the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, told the Joint Committee comprising of lawmakers from the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security and their counterpart, the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, that the Mission aligns with Kenyaβs national security interests and her resolve to foster global peace and stability.
β The Mission represents a collective effort by nations across the globe to address the pressing security challenges that Haiti facesβ, he noted.
Members however expressed keen interest to understand the motivation behind Kenyaβs commitment towards the Mission especially given that there exists no notable bilateral relations between Kenya and Haiti.
In response, Prof. Kindiki explained that Kenyaβs involvement in the Mission was in line with the countryβs national security interests and her resolve to foster global peace and security.
βHon. Members, the elephant in the room is why is Kenya involved. We are involved because we understand that our safety and prosperity is linked with that of our global neighbours. We are involved because contributing to regional responsibility and international solidarity is not just a choice for us. It is a dutyβ, he told the MPs.
He however sought to explain that in acceeding to the request by both the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Transitional Government of Haiti to consider deploying her troops to the Caribbean nation, Kenya had put up two conditions. The two conditions relate to the development of the framework paving the way for the Mission; which has already been met through UNSC Resolution 2699, and the provisions of the resources required by the Kenya Police Service to effect the deployment if approved by Parliament.
The Kenyan Government has projected a budget of 241 million US dollars out the 600 million US dollars earmarked for the 11-nation Mission. Incase any monies are spent in preparation for the Mission,the United Nations will be expected to reimburse before the deployment. According to Prof. Kindiki, Kenya is not expected to spend anything from her coffers on the Mission.
Asked to comment on the impact of an active court order stopping the deployment of police officers to Haiti for a peacekeeping mission,the CS told the Joint Committee that he is pursuaded that the matter in court does not in any way affect the ongoing pre-deployment preparations.
CS Kindiki further told the lawmakers that the Kenyan contingent of 1,000 officers is expected to take a lead role in cordinating the Mission. According to submissions filed before the Committee, Senegal, Burundi, Chad and a host of countries within the Carribbean Community (CARICOM) are set to join Kenya in the Mission which is expected to create an environment where democracy, development and dignity can flourish.
Members however sought to know how strategic it is for Kenya to take a lead role in the Mission. In response the CS noted that through her participation and contribution to the Mission, Kenya was hopeful that the country would attract a wide range of technical support in bolstering the security system especially with regard to the war against terror.
On their part, the lawmakers led by the the co-chairs; Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo (National Assembly) and Sen. William Cheptumo underscored the need for the CS to provide regular reports on the status of the Mission to Parliament to ensure transparency and accountability.
During the Mission in which the Kenyan police officers will be deployed in phases for a period of one year, the officers are poised to among other things, assist in developing community policing strategies, provide training to local law enforcement agencies, conduct joint operations to combat organized crime, enhance border security measures and participate in peace keeping missions.
The CS also addressed a number of concerns raised by Members. These include the safety and well-being of the police officers, remuneration and insurance compensation Incase of injury or fatalities, their integration into the Haiti sociocultural system and the preparedness of the receiving nation.
The CS is expected to share the report of an advance team that had visited Haiti recently, even as Members retreat to consider the request by the National Security Council on the deployment alongside other submissions by other stakeholders. The Joint Committee is expected to table its report in both Houses next week for consideration.
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