Kenya, Kuwait partnership practical, transformative, mutually rewarding
By H.E. Halima Mohamud
Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya
Embassy of Kenya marked the 62nd anniversary of Kenyan independence on 12 December. In a message, Ambassador of Kenya H.E. Halima Mohamud lauded the warm relations between Kenya and Kuwait, noting: “As Kenya celebrates 62 years of independence, we salute the strong and enduring partnership with Kuwait—guided by the President of the Republic of Kenya His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, and His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah—anchored in six decades of trust, shared values, and growing collaboration across diplomacy, trade, investment, and people-to-people ties.
“Since 1965, when Kuwait became the first Arab state to recognize Kenya’s sovereignty, our nations have built a robust diplomatic foundation. Guided by our leaders, this framework has enabled cooperation across multiple sectors and the signing of key agreements, including Avoidance of Double Taxation, Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments, and tourism collaboration.
High-level exchanges, such as the recent meeting between President William Ruto and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, in September 2024, have reinforced goodwill and opened new avenues for partnership.” Expanding on bilateral trade, Ambassador Mohamud said, “Kenya and Kuwait maintain an active trade and investment partnership, reflecting the strong complementarity of our economies. Beyond the exchange of goods, investment opportunities in key sectors are expanding, creating jobs, building skills, and delivering benefits for both nations. This engagement sets the stage for an even stronger partnership, unlocking new opportunities and shared prosperity for years to come.”
Pointing out that labor cooperation has become a powerful pillar of bilateral ties, the Kenyan top diplomat in Kuwait asserted: “The rise in Kenyan migrant workers helps Kuwait meet critical labor needs, while providing Kenya’s youth with jobs, skills, and remittance opportunities. Our growing diaspora serves as a living bridge between our nations, making this labor corridor a transformative, people-centered engine of growth.” Honoring the Kenyan community in Kuwait, Ambassador Mohamud stated: “To all Kenyans living and working in Kuwait, we extend warm greetings and appreciation. Your contributions strengthen the Kenya–Kuwait bond. Happy Jamhuri Day!
Expressing her firm belief in the potential of further strengthening the bilateral partnership between the two countries, Ambassador Mohamud stated: “Kuwait has long been a vital partner in Kenya’s development journey, supporting key infrastructure, education, and health projects through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. Kenya is committed to timely implementation of these initiatives, honoring the trust placed by our Kuwaiti partners and maximizing the social and economic impact of our joint development efforts.”
Turning to humanitarian assistance, the Kenyan ambassador noted, “Kuwait’s generous humanitarian interventions have strengthened Kenya in times of need—from drought relief to education, health, and community projects. These efforts have saved lives and deepened the bonds between our nations. Continued collaboration promises even deeper solidarity, advances our shared values, and strengthens Kenya–Kuwait relations on a foundation of compassion and mutual support.
Elaborating on shared views and mutual support, Ambassador Mohamud affirmed: “Kenya and Kuwait share common perspectives on key international issues, including regional peace and stability, counterterrorism, human rights, environmental sustainability, and multilateral cooperation. Our joint efforts under platforms such as the Global Counterterrorism Forum exemplify this shared commitment to regional and global stability, and to principled multilateralism.”
Concluding her message, Ambassador Mohamud highlighted the bright outlook for future relations between the two countries, noting that “as Kenya advances as one of Africa’s most dynamic economies, and Kuwait pursues diversification and global outreach, the opportunity to elevate bilateral cooperation has never been stronger. By expanding trade, investment, labor, and development collaboration, Kenya and Kuwait can build a partnership that is practical, transformative, and mutually rewarding. I invite our Kuwaiti partners—public and private—to seize this moment and explore opportunities in Kenya’s strategic sectors: agriculture, infrastructure, agro-processing, real estate, and energy.
Happy Jamhuri Day 2025
