Matiang'i: Kenyan forces could be deployed to Qatar for World Cup security

Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani are in talks that could culminate in Kenyan forces being deployed to Doha in 2022 to assist in securing the FIFA World Cup.

Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, during a ceremony commemorating Qatar’s National Day, the Interior CS stated that existing bilateral agreements between Kenya and the Arab country will be used as the foundation to hash out the ins and outs of the pact, which was the focus of his recent State visit to Doha.  

Since establishing diplomatic ties in 2003, Nairobi and Doha have steadily grown their bilateral relations to include security, economic, education, cultural and sports sectors.

“In principle, we agreed with my Qatari counterpart, H.E. Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Qatar that Kenya could provide security personnel to support the Supreme Committee on Delivery and Legacy of Qatar in providing security services during the 2022 FIFA world cup in Qatar,” the CS said.

Matiang’i consequently revealed that the two nations are in accelerated talks to establish a Qatar Visa Center in Nairobi which will assist in processing travelling documents and updating the database of diaspora workers plying their trade in the Gulf State.

The Qatar National Day celebrations was hosted by Qatar’s ambassador to Kenya, Jabor bin Ali AL-Dosari.

Also in attendance was Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission boss Twalib Mubarak, Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache and members of both the National Assembly and Senate.

Prior to gracing the Qatari celebrations, Matiang’i was the chief guest during the launch of two books authored by the Prisons Staff Training College Commandant Wanini Kireri.

According to Matiang’i, the books -- Leadership Through the Eyes of a Prisons Officer and The Disruptor -- are a useful addition to the available literature on practical tips for navigating the challenges of leadership in Public Service.

The CS consequently urged high ranking state officials to consider chronicling challenges that they have faced while in office so that junior officers can use them as a benchmark in future.