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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for more financial support for the multinational policing mission in Haiti led by Kenya forces.

Mudavadi made that appeal for continued financial support during a meeting with David Lammy, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary argued that the money aid is key to helping the multinational policing mission achieve its intended success.

“Turning to Haiti, I requested the continued financial, logistical, and moral support of our global partners to ensure the success of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission,” a statement shared by Mudavadi read in part.

Mudavadi’s request comes days after the UN Security Council extended its authorization of the multinational policing mission in crime-ravaged Haiti, but without any call to transform it into a UN peacekeeping mission, as floated by Port-au-Prince and President William Ruto.

The resolution, adopted unanimously, expressed deep concern about the situation in Haiti including violence, criminal activities and mass displacement, and came as the World Food Programme warned half of the country’s population now faces acute hunger.

Other issues

Besides the Haiti issue, Mudavadi also informed David Lammy that Kenya had requested the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to review various departments in its bid to tackle graft.

“We also addressed Kenya’s commitment to fighting corruption. I informed the Secretary that Kenya has formally requested the IMF to conduct a comprehensive corruption diagnostic across government institutions, reaffirming our commitment to transparency and accountability,” Mudavadi added.

After floating that idea, Mudavadi informed Lammy that Kenya was grappling with a Ksh350 billion funding deficit due to the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 after a wave of protests.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary who doubles up as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs added that the country had been compelled to adopt austerity measures due to the difficult decision made by President Ruto at the height of protests.

“I highlighted the economic challenges Kenya faces following the withdrawal of the 2024/2025 Finance Bill, which has created a funding deficit of Ksh350 billion. This shortfall has required the government to make difficult decisions in adjusting development programs.”