Kenya is poised to become an observer in the Organization of American States

Kenya is poised to join the Organisation of American States (OAS), a regional bloc comprising 34 countries in the Western hemisphere. This move would grant Nairobi a permanent observation status within the organization, alongside member countries like Haiti.

On Thursday, the OAS Permanent Council made a decision to extend a formal invitation to Nairobi, allowing their diplomats to be accredited and attend important meetings within the bloc. However, they will not have voting rights on decisions.

The Permanent Council, a committee of representatives from member states, announced on Wednesday that the Republic of Kenya has been granted the status of permanent observer to the Organization of American States (OAS). This decision was made in accordance with the provisions of resolutions AG/RES. 50 (I-O/71) of the General Assembly and CP/RES. 407 (573/84) of this Council Permanent, which outlined the criteria for admittance.

In addition, they have agreed to ask the Secretary-General to inform the Republic of Kenya and the various organs, agencies, and entities of the OAS, including the specialized Inter-American organizations, about the adoption of this resolution CP49959E01.

The 34-member bloc, which includes the US, is based in Washington and serves as a platform for Western hemisphere countries to engage in political discussions within the wider Americas region.

According to the OAS website, it facilitates the development of cooperation and the promotion of a shared regional agenda on democratic governance, human rights, multidimensional security, and sustainable development.

Once officially admitted, Kenya will become a member of the group of 75 countries and organizations that have permanent observer status. However, there are other African countries that have already taken similar steps. The OAS has already accepted Angola, Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Togo, and Tunisia as members.

By sitting on this body, Kenya has the opportunity to directly listen to local concerns, suggestions, or objections regarding its involvement in Haiti.

Kenyan police will be deployed to Haiti in June as part of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).

With the endorsement of the UN, funding from the US, and support from Canada, the MSS aims to assist in restoring law enforcement in Haiti.

Unfortunately, the mission has not received full support. Some critics, including certain Haitian civil society groups, argue that MSS is seen as a form of ongoing interference from the US.

Dr Ekuru Aukot, a Kenyan lawyer, also filed a lawsuit to halt the deployment. A hearing has been scheduled by the court for June 12.