NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, citing expanded cooperation in health, trade, and investment as key pillars of engagement.
Speaking during celebrations marking the 47th Anniversary of the Victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi, CS Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku said the two countries enjoy long-standing and mutually beneficial relations grounded in mutual respect and South–South cooperation.
“Kenya and the Islamic Republic of Iran enjoy cordial and mutually beneficial relations anchored on shared values of peaceful coexistence and multilateral engagement,” Ruku said while addressing diplomats and invited guests at the event.
He noted that Kenya appreciates Iran’s sustained commitment to supporting healthcare systems, particularly in expanding access to specialised medical services.
Iran has previously collaborated with Kenya in pharmaceutical supplies, medical equipment support, and knowledge exchange in specialized treatment areas.
“Kenya deeply appreciates Iran’s sustained commitment to strengthening health systems and expanding access to specialised medical care,” he said.
Beyond health cooperation, Nairobi signaled its intention to scale up trade and investment ties with Tehran.
Kenya is positioning itself as a regional trade hub in East Africa, and diversifying trade partnerships remains a key component of its foreign policy strategy.
Under Article 2(6) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, international agreements ratified by Kenya form part of Kenyan law, providing a legal framework for structured bilateral and multilateral engagements.
Strengthened Kenya–Iran ties would operate within this constitutional and diplomatic framework.
While trade volumes between the two countries remain modest compared to Kenya’s engagements with traditional Western and Asian partners, both nations have expressed interest in deepening economic diplomacy, particularly in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.
The anniversary event also underscored Kenya’s broader foreign policy principle of maintaining balanced diplomatic relations across global blocs while advancing national development priorities.
