NAIROBI, Kenya — Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in Africa, recognising Kenya’s growing role as a key regional and global partner in mediation, security cooperation, and diplomatic engagement.
The assurance was made during an official visit to Nairobi by Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Johann Wadephul, who held bilateral talks with the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, on Wednesday morning at the Railways Headquarters.
Dr. Wadephul reflected on the long-standing relationship between the two countries, noting that Germany was among the first nations to recognise Kenya following independence in 1963.
He said the partnership, now spanning more than six decades, had steadily expanded, grounded in mutual trust, shared democratic values, and a commitment to international stability.
“Kenya remains a reliable partner for Germany in addressing both regional and global challenges,” Dr. Wadephul said, commending Nairobi’s consistent engagement in peace and security initiatives.
He praised Kenya’s role in mediation and peacebuilding efforts across conflict-affected regions, including Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia.
The German minister also highlighted Kenya’s contribution to international peace efforts beyond the continent, citing its leadership in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, authorised by the United Nations Security Council in late 2023 to assist the Haitian National Police in combating gang violence.
Dr. Wadephul said Kenya’s participation in such missions underscored its expanding global diplomatic footprint and its commitment to upholding international peace and security.
The German Foreign Minister further stressed the importance of defending the rules-based international order, warning that increasing pressure on international law and competition over scarce resources could fuel instability and radicalisation.
In this context, he pointed to Kenya–Germany cooperation under the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, which focuses on addressing the root causes of insecurity.
Kenya and Germany’s strategic partnership remains anchored in a shared commitment to peace, international cooperation, and collective security. Germany has been instrumental in supporting peacekeeping operations and capacity building within the Kenya Defence Forces.Earlier this
He noted ongoing joint initiatives linking climate change, resource scarcity, and the prevention of violent extremism within multilateral counter-terrorism frameworks, describing terrorism and violent extremism as shared concerns for both Africa and Europe.
Beyond security, the talks also focused on expanding economic cooperation.
Both sides identified opportunities to deepen collaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen infrastructure, and agriculture, sectors aligned with Kenya’s development agenda and Germany’s technological expertise.
Discussions also covered migration, vocational training, and digitisation.
Dr. Wadephul highlighted skills development as a practical area of cooperation that could create employment opportunities for young people while supporting long-term economic growth and stability.
In his remarks, Dr. Mudavadi welcomed Germany’s growing economic footprint in Kenya, noting that more than 120 German companies currently operate in the country and the wider region. He expressed optimism that trade and investment ties would continue to expand.
He also referenced Kenya’s trade arrangements with the European Union, stating that Nairobi intends to fully utilise these frameworks to grow exports and strengthen partnerships with Germany and Europe.
The Cabinet Secretary underscored the importance of the Kenya–Germany Structured Partnership on Labour Mobility, signed in September 2024, describing it as a milestone in creating orderly and mutually beneficial labour mobility pathways for skilled Kenyan workers seeking opportunities in Germany.
Mudavadi further pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a largely untapped investment frontier, encouraging German firms to explore opportunities in market expansion, value addition, and high-growth sectors, including critical minerals.
The visit reaffirmed Kenya’s position as a central diplomatic and economic partner for Germany in Africa, as both countries seek to strengthen cooperation on peace, development, and global governance.
