Long-standing, strong relations between Kenya, Kuwait praised

• HE Halima Abdille Mahmoud, Kenya’s Ambassador to Kuwait, highlighted the warm ties between Kenya and Kuwait since 1965, growing bilateral trade, shared international positions, and joint efforts in counter-terrorism cooperation.

• Kuwait and Kenya have signed several agreements to govern bilateral relations, with more in preparation, while trade remains strong and arrangements are being made for high-level visits between officials of both nations.

• Kuwait has long supported Africa, with over two billion dinars granted by the Kuwait Fund and significant contributions from Kuwaiti charities.

Nayef Mohammed Al Mudhaf, Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs for African Affairs, commended the strong ties between Kenya and Kuwait, highlighting the opening of the Kuwaiti embassy in Nairobi in 1965, which remains the oldest Kuwaiti embassy in non-Arab African countries.

He added in a statement to journalists on the sidelines of the 61st anniversary celebration of Kenya’s independence, held by the embassy at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, in the presence of numerous ambassadors, citizens, and community members, that Kenya is a pivotal country on the African continent. He expressed hope that relations between the two countries will expand into broader horizons.

He pointed out that several agreements have been signed in the past to govern bilateral relations between the two countries, and mentioned that additional agreements in various areas are currently being prepared for signing at the earliest opportunity.

He stated that the trade exchange between the two countries is excellent, adding that arrangements are being made with the embassy to coordinate high-level visits between officials of both nations.

Labor recruitment from Kenya

Regarding the recruitment of labor from Kenya, he mentioned that these are among the future agreements being worked on, noting that Kenyan workers are highly skilled, fluent in English, and well-regarded.

He stressed that Kuwait is working to diversify its sources of both domestic and skilled labor, noting that Kuwait has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ethiopia on labor recruitment, which will soon come into effect. He also mentioned that consultations are ongoing with several labor-exporting countries, and agreements will soon be signed with them.

He stated that Kuwait has had a long-standing interest in the African continent, with the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development having granted over two billion dinars to African countries in the past. Additionally, Kuwaiti charities have made significant efforts in various African nations.

In turn, HE Halima Abdille Mahmoud, Kenya’s Ambassador to Kuwait, stated that this year marks the 61st anniversary of Kenya’s independence, commemorating December 12, 1963, when Kenya gained independence from colonial rule. She emphasized that this was the culmination of years of struggle, perseverance, and sacrifices made by the brave men and women who fought for independence, driven by the pursuit of a free, peaceful, and prosperous state.

Kenya made great strides over the past 60 years

She added that her country has made great strides over the past 60 years. What began as a newly independent nation has steadily transformed into a major player on the African continent, earning respect globally.

The ambassador stressed that Kenya and Kuwait have enjoyed warm and friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1965. These ties have been strengthened through various high-level exchanges, such as the recent meeting between President William Ruto and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024. She concluded by noting that bilateral relations have flourished under the guidance and leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh MeshalAl-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The Kenyan ambassador stated that bilateral trade continues to show great potential, with an increased diversification of Kenyan products exported to the Kuwaiti market, including meat, fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, spices, and others. She pointed out that the Kuwait Fund for Arab Development and the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development are financing major projects in Kenya across sectors such as infrastructure, health, and education.

She noted that Kenya and Kuwait share similar positions on many issues of international concern. For example, she highlighted the fight against terrorism, where Kenya and Kuwait currently chair the East Africa Working Group within the framework of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum. Both countries are actively mobilizing important regional and international cooperation efforts in the area of counter-terrorism.