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World Environment Day 2026
Theme : Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.
Event: Borehole Groundbreaking and Water Splash
Venue: GSU Magadi Field Training College
County: Kajiado
As we prepare for H.E. President @WilliamsRuto’s upcoming visit to Brussels, ensuring alignment on key trade and investment priorities remains essential to advancing our engagement with the European Union.
Chaired a multi-agency working session focused on resolving the tariff disparity between the Kenya–EU bilateral trade framework and the East African Community’s Common External Tariff on imported alcoholic beverages.
Kenya remains committed to upholding both the letter and spirit of the Economic Partnership Agreements signed with the European Union and the United Kingdom. We are equally committed to constructive dialogue aimed at finding an amicable and mutually beneficial solution that strengthens trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Joining the meeting were Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Cabinet Secretary for EAC, ASALs and Regional Development Beatrice Askul Moe, and senior technical officers from the National Treasury, Foreign Affairs and Trade ministries.
Preparations for the 11th Edition of the Our Ocean Conference are gathering momentum as Kenya readies itself to host one of the world’s most important forums on ocean sustainability.
Convened a Special Ministerial Meeting at Railways Headquarters to review the country’s level of preparedness and assess progress across the key thematic areas and coordination mechanisms required for a successful conference.
Kenya remains committed to delivering a Summit that advances global cooperation on ocean governance, marine conservation, climate resilience and the sustainable development of the blue economy.
The Conference presents an important opportunity to reinforce Kenya’s position as a leader in championing collective action towards a healthy, secure and sustainable future for our oceans.
Present were Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, ASALs and Regional Development Beatrice Askul, and government officials involved in the planning and implementation of the Conference.
Concluded my official visit to the Republic of Korea with a tour of the Gyeonggi University of Science and Technology (GTEC) in Siheung City, an institution at the forefront of engineering and applied technical education driving South Korea’s industrial success.
A walk through the university’s workshops and laboratories reflected Kenya’s own ambition to strengthen technical and vocational training as a key pillar of economic transformation, innovation and industrial growth.
Institutions such as GTEC are not only centres of learning, but valuable partners in shaping the next generation of Kenyan engineers, technicians and innovators as we continue modernising TVET education and deepening industry linkages back home.
I was encouraged by the growing collaboration between GTEC and Kenyan institutions and welcomed the opportunity to expand partnerships through student exchanges, faculty cooperation, joint research and technology transfer.
Kenya remains ready to learn from South Korea’s remarkable journey in aligning education, skills development and industrial advancement.
I joined fellow Foreign Ministers and senior officials from across Africa and regional organisations for a high-level engagement hosted by H.E. Lee Jae-myung, President of the Republic of Korea, at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul.
The discussions focused on strengthening Africa–Korea partnerships, with emphasis on expanding economic cooperation, critical minerals, resilient supply chains and South Korea’s growing engagement with the Global South.
We also reflected on the outcomes of the 2026 Korea–Africa Ministers’ Summit, where important progress was made in trade, infrastructure, investment, science and technology, education, agriculture, climate action, health, peace and security, and people-to-people exchanges.
On behalf of the Government and people of Kenya, I conveyed appreciation to President Lee, his Government and the people of the Republic of Korea for the warm hospitality extended to the Kenyan delegation during this visit.
Held discussions with Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), on the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Eastern Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Dr. Kaseya briefed me on the current epidemiological situation and the coordinated response measures being undertaken by Africa CDC, African governments and global health partners, including the World Health Organization, to contain the outbreak and strengthen regional preparedness.
The interventions include enhanced disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory diagnostics, infection prevention measures, border health monitoring and community awareness campaigns aimed at preventing further cross-border transmission.
I welcomed the ongoing efforts by Africa CDC and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to regional health security and collective action in responding to public health emergencies. I also shared Kenya’s preparedness measures, including strengthening of national surveillance and emergency response systems to safeguard public health and regional resilience.
Together with Mr. Jong Hyuck Ahn, Deputy CEO of the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM), we officially signed the Host Country Arrangement establishing a KEXIM Representative Office in Kenya.
The new office, which will serve as a liaison office for KEXIM Headquarters in the Republic of Korea, marks an important step in deepening Kenya–Korea economic and development cooperation, particularly in infrastructure financing, investment facilitation and project development across the region.
Through its presence in Nairobi, KEXIM will strengthen partnerships with governments, institutions and businesses while supporting strategic development projects through financial and technical assistance.
During our discussions, I highlighted Kenya’s position as a regional economic, diplomatic and technology hub, and encouraged KEXIM to leverage its Nairobi office to attract more Korean investors and expand private sector confidence in the Kenyan market.
The establishment of the office is expected to unlock greater trade and investment opportunities, support skills and knowledge transfer, create jobs and further position Kenya as a gateway for international cooperation and sustainable development in the region.
Had an engaging session with students and lecturers at Sungkyunkwan University, founded in 1398 and recognised as one of Korea’s foremost institutions of higher learning and the oldest university in East Asia.
Our discussions focused on the future of Kenya–Korea relations and how Kenya’s diplomacy continues to evolve beyond regional influence to a stronger global voice in shaping strategic international partnerships, including with the Republic of Korea.
I also reflected on the growing importance of peace, stability and diplomacy at a time when the world is witnessing shifting geopolitical dynamics, rising militarism and increasingly transactional approaches to global security and cooperation.
The students appreciated the importance of collective action and acknowledged that no country can effectively confront today’s global challenges in isolation.
I encouraged them to visit Kenya and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in technology, innovation, education, cultural exchange and economic partnerships as we continue strengthening people-to-people ties between our two nations.
Present were University President Ji-Beom Yoo, Dean of Political Science and Diplomacy Dr. Wonbin Cho and Kenya’s Ambassador to South Korea, Prof. Emmy Kipsoi.
On the sidelines of the ongoing Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Summit, I held bilateral talks with South Korea’s Foreign Affairs Minister, H.E. Cho Hyun, on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, technology and innovation, education, health, maritime affairs and defence.
I reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening collaboration with South Korea in advancing Kenya’s digital transformation agenda, including flagship projects at Konza Technopolis such as the Digital Media City and the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST).
We also acknowledged the growing investment opportunities being unlocked through the presence of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korea Exim Bank in Nairobi, while encouraging more Korean companies and investors to expand their footprint in Kenya.
Minister Cho Hyun reiterated South Korea’s commitment to strengthening ties with Kenya through increased tourism, expanded market access for Kenyan products, enhanced manufacturing and greater technology transfer cooperation.
On the sidelines of the ongoing Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Summit, I held bilateral talks with South Korea’s Foreign Affairs Minister, H.E. Cho Hyun, on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, technology and innovation, education, health, maritime affairs and defence.
I reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening collaboration with South Korea in advancing Kenya’s digital transformation agenda, including flagship projects at Konza Technopolis such as the Digital Media City and the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST).
We also acknowledged the growing investment opportunities being unlocked through the presence of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korea Exim Bank in Nairobi, while encouraging more Korean companies and investors to expand their footprint in Kenya.
Minister Cho Hyun reiterated South Korea’s commitment to strengthening ties with Kenya through increased tourism, expanded market access for Kenyan products, enhanced manufacturing and greater technology transfer cooperation.
Together with Mr. Hong Hong Seok-hwa, Vice President of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), we officially signed the Host Country Arrangement establishing a KOICA Country Office in Kenya.
The new office, which will serve as a liaison office for KOICA Headquarters in Seoul, marks a major milestone in strengthening Kenya–South Korea relations and enhancing the coordination and implementation of development cooperation programmes across the region.
The partnership will deepen collaboration in key sectors including education, healthcare, technology transfer, infrastructure development, public sector capacity building and youth empowerment, while also promoting investment, knowledge exchange and job creation.
KOICA is currently implementing seven projects in Kenya focused on quality education, climate resilience and strengthening health services through improved hygiene and public health interventions.
Kenya continues to deepen its engagement across North Africa, building on more than six decades of strong relations with Tunisia to unlock new opportunities in trade, investment and regional cooperation.
Together with H.E. Mohamed Ali Nafti, Tunisia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, we explored practical pathways to strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships in areas including education, energy, technological innovation, climate change, peace and security, and people-to-people exchanges.
During our meeting on the sidelines of the Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul, South Korea, we also agreed to accelerate key legal frameworks and pending arrangements aimed at strengthening cooperation between our two nations.
Our discussions further focused on enhancing collaboration within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (@AfCFTA) as Africa continues to push for increased intra-African trade, industrialisation and economic integration.
Africa and Korea must continue strengthening partnerships that advance shared prosperity, sustainable growth and joint responses to emerging global challenges.
At the Korea–Africa Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul, I presented Kenya’s development priorities and highlighted the role of institutions such as the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korea Exim Bank in supporting Kenya’s economic transformation, technology transfer, skills development and private sector growth.
I noted that Korea’s continued investment in projects such as Konza Technopolis and the newly commissioned Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST) reflects the growing strength of Kenya–Korea cooperation in technology, innovation and industrialisation.
These partnerships continue to position Kenya as a regional hub for value addition, innovation and sustainable economic growth.
On behalf of the Government and people of Kenya, I also conveyed appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea for the warm hospitality extended to my delegation during the meeting.
It was wonderful meeting members of the Kenyan community in South Korea at the @KenyaSeoul during the first day of my official visit.
Our engagement focused on their welfare, labour mobility, skills transfer, diaspora investment opportunities and the important role they continue to play in supporting Kenya’s economy and development back home.
We also discussed participation in the upcoming 2027 General Elections, the proposed Diaspora Bond framework and ongoing Government efforts to strengthen engagement between the Diaspora, our missions abroad and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
I further shared Kenya’s priorities ahead of the Korea–Africa Ministerial Meeting as we continue deepening the strong Kenya–Korea partnership built over six decades.
Led by their President Wycliffe Francis Otieno, we agreed to sustain closer engagement through our mission in Seoul under Ambassador Prof. Emmy Kipsoi.
I was encouraged by the discipline, patriotism and determination demonstrated by Kenyans in South Korea as they continue flying the Kenyan flag high abroad.
At the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, I received a briefing from our delegation led by Ambassador Prof. Emmy Kipsoi on final preparations ahead of the Korea–Africa Ministerial Meeting scheduled for 1st and 2nd June 2026.
Kenya will advance key agenda areas anchored on six decades of strong Kenya–Korea diplomatic relations, economic cooperation and growing people-to-people exchanges.
At the Ministerial Meeting, Kenya will place emphasis on collaboration in ICT, education, infrastructure, health, agriculture, food security, energy, maritime affairs and climate resilience, including ongoing partnerships such as the development of Konza Technopolis.
Held under the theme “Partnership for Joint Responses to Global Challenges,” the gathering brings together African Foreign Ministers and representatives to strengthen economic partnerships and explore practical solutions to emerging global challenges.
I also had an opportunity to interact with staff at the @KenyaSeoul and commend them for their dedication, professionalism and continued service to Kenyans in South Korea with great patriotism.
Investing in the wellness and resilience of our workforce remains critical in strengthening Kenya’s Foreign Service and advancing our national interests across the world.
I joined staff of the State Department for Foreign Affairs during the Annual Staff Wellness Day held under the theme “Building Resilience for Effective Diplomacy.”
I commend the State Department, under the leadership of PS Dr. @SingoeiAKorir, for sustaining this important initiative that continues to promote physical, mental and financial wellness while strengthening teamwork, institutional cohesion and professional excellence within the Ministry.
As the global environment continues to evolve, we must continue building a supportive work culture that prioritises wellbeing, resilience and mutual support. A healthy and motivated workforce remains key to effective diplomacy and the successful delivery of Kenya’s foreign policy objectives.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him and He helps me.” — Psalm 28:7
Joined H.E. President @WilliamsRuto, First Lady @MamaRachelRuto and Deputy President Prof. @_KithureKindiki during the 23rd Annual National Prayer Breakfast, bringing together leaders, diplomats and participants from different nations for a moment of prayer, reflection and fellowship.
The occasion highlighted the importance of unity, reconciliation and servant leadership anchored on faith, humility and mutual respect. It also served as a reminder that in a world facing shared challenges, peace, compassion and cooperation must continue guiding our pursuit of stability, prosperity and stronger relations among nations.
My heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, staff and the entire Utumishi Girls Academy fraternity in Gilgil following the tragic fire incident that has claimed lives and left several students injured.
This is a deeply painful moment for the nation, and my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected, especially the families grieving the loss of their loved ones and those with children currently receiving treatment in hospital.
As rescue and emergency response teams continue their work, priority remains on supporting affected families, ensuring the injured receive the best possible medical care and establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
May God grant strength to the bereaved families, healing to the injured and comfort to the entire school community during this difficult time.