NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya and Cuba are set to strengthen their longstanding diplomatic and economic ties, with a renewed focus on healthcare, scientific research, and education.
This follows discussions between the newly appointed Cuban Ambassador to Kenya, Ines Fors Fernandez, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
During a courtesy call on Thursday, Ambassador Fernandez advocated for the establishment of a Parliamentary Friendship Group to deepen cooperation between the two nations.
“The footprints of people that walk together can never be erased,” she remarked, emphasizing Cuba’s commitment to Third World countries.
Speaker Wetang’ula acknowledged Cuba’s historical role in Africa’s liberation struggles, describing it as a country deeply intertwined with the continent’s history.
“As far as we are concerned, Cuba is an African country,” he said, recalling its contributions in Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Kenya and Cuba have long collaborated in the health sector, with Cuban doctors previously deployed to Kenyan counties to provide specialized medical care.
As Kenya seeks to enhance its healthcare system through universal health coverage, it is looking to Cuba’s model, which prioritizes preventive and community-based care.
“We had 100 Cuban doctors here helping our counties with specialized care. They were doing a wonderful job,” Wetang’ula noted.
Ambassador Fernandez reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to sharing its medical expertise, highlighting its extensive global presence.
“We have medical assistance cooperation with 68 countries all over the world, and in some places, we even have Cuban hospitals,” she said.
Beyond healthcare, Wetang’ula called for deeper collaboration in biotechnology and scientific research, urging Cuba to continue supporting Kenyan students pursuing scholarships in critical fields such as medicine and biotechnology.
“You have done very well in scientific research,” he said.
The discussions also touched on Cuba’s long-standing economic struggles due to the U.S. trade embargo. Ambassador Fernandez acknowledged the ongoing challenges, stating, “The situation is still tough.”
Kenya has consistently supported Cuba’s push to end the economic blockade. Wetang’ula reiterated this stance, saying, “Cuba has worked with us when no one could touch us.”
