NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in defence, peace, and trade, marking a new phase in the two nations’ six-decade partnership.
Speaking during celebrations to mark the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye in Nairobi, Turkish Ambassador Subutay Yüksel and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale underscored the two nations’ shared vision for regional stability and inclusive development.
Ambassador Yüksel praised Kenya’s “central role” in promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, saying Türkiye supports “African solutions to African problems.”
“We are well aware of the central role that Kenya has been playing in promoting peace, cooperation, and prosperity in the region and the continent,” he said. “We have witnessed the Kenyan government’s determination to carry these efforts even further.”
Türkiye has in recent years strengthened its footprint in the Horn of Africa — notably in Somalia — through humanitarian aid, infrastructure projects, and mediation efforts.
Nairobi, meanwhile, has led key peace initiatives in Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, making the two countries natural allies in regional diplomacy.
Duale, who once served as Defence minister, said Türkiye’s engagement has been instrumental in supporting peace and stability.
“Kenya appreciates Türkiye’s growing role in supporting regional peace and stability in the Horn of Africa,” Duale said. “Such partnerships are vital to building a stable and secure region.”
Defence Cooperation Expands
The two nations are also strengthening defence and security ties following the 2023 Defence Industry Cooperation Agreement, which opened avenues for collaboration in defence production, technology transfer, and training.
Duale said the deal marked “a great engagement” that allows Kenya to benefit from Türkiye’s advances in drone technology, intelligence-sharing, and training exchanges.
“Kenya and Türkiye enjoy a very strong partnership in defence matters. The 2023 agreement signalled a new phase of cooperation, including exchange of knowledge in cutting-edge defence technology,” he said.
Analysts view the growing military cooperation as part of Kenya’s broader strategy to diversify its global partnerships beyond traditional Western allies.
Trade and Investment at the Core
Ambassador Yüksel said trade and investment remain the cornerstone of bilateral relations, citing increased private-sector interest in Kenya.
“We see developing our trade and investment as our main duty, as it would directly increase the prosperity of the Kenyan and Turkish people,” he said.
He also welcomed the resumption of Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul–Mombasa flights, describing it as a symbol of renewed economic engagement.
Duale invited Turkish investors to explore opportunities in renewable energy, manufacturing, housing, and climate action, emphasizing Kenya’s access to wider regional markets through the EAC, COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Turkish investors should take advantage of Kenya’s membership in these blocs to benefit from what these markets have to offer,” Duale said.
Development Cooperation
Duale lauded Türkiye’s development cooperation through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), which has implemented projects in health, education, water, and agriculture since 2012.
He said TIKA’s work aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“TIKA’s work is improving livelihoods and empowering communities across the country,” Duale said.
Ambassador Yüksel described the 58 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries as a model of mutual respect and shared ambition.
“Türkiye remains determined to develop and better use the potential of the two countries to serve our common interests,” he said.
Duale echoed the sentiment, calling the partnership “anchored on deep bonds of friendship and a shared vision for inclusive development.”
“Kenya stands ready to deepen cooperation with Türkiye in advancing global peace, regional stability, and prosperity for the mutual benefit of our people,” he said.
