NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya and Namibia are gearing up to deepen their bilateral cooperation, focusing on boosting trade and diplomatic relations.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi is heading to Windhoek, Namibia, following his China visit, for a crucial Mid-Term Review (MTR) meeting.
The talks will review business protocols and Namibia’s plan to establish a diplomatic mission in Nairobi.
Mudavadi’s visit will include key meetings with Namibian Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and International Relations Minister Peya Mushelenga. These talks aim to strengthen ties that go back to 1964.
According to Jacob Ng’etich, Director of Press Service, Mudavadi will push for enhanced collaborations, particularly in diplomatic and business protocols, to pave the way for further engagement between the two countries.
A significant highlight will be Namibia’s establishment of a diplomatic mission in Nairobi, underscoring the countries’ long-standing relations.
Kenya and Namibia already have an established framework for cooperation, thanks to the General Agreement on Cooperation signed in 1992, which covers sectors like agriculture, aviation, health, and education.
Both nations are also part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) and the COMESA-SADC-EAC Tripartite Free Trade Area, further bolstering their economic integration goals.
While Kenya and Namibia enjoy robust diplomatic relations, the balance of trade has been largely in favor of Namibia.
Kenya exports goods worth Ksh 106.31 million annually but imports about Ksh 117.76 million from Namibia. Mudavadi is expected to address this imbalance by seeking improved trade terms.
Namibia, despite its small population, is an emerging market for retailers and holds significant potential for Kenyan exports, particularly in sectors like agriculture.
With Namibia importing about 50pc of its cereal needs, Kenya’s cereal producers could capitalize on this demand, further facilitated by the strong diplomatic ties and visa-free protocols already in place.
Namibia also presents numerous opportunities for Kenyan professionals and businesses. Over 1,000 Kenyans currently reside and work in Namibia, contributing to industries such as healthcare, engineering, and education.
Kenyan-owned enterprises, including advertising firms, schools, and private hospitals, have already established a presence.
During his visit, Mudavadi will also follow up on Namibia’s promise to grant Kenyan businesspeople five-year multiple-entry visas, further easing trade and investment between the two nations.
