NAIROBI, Kenya — Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has held talks with the Philippines Ambassador to Kenya, Marie Charlotte G. Tang, aimed at deepening bilateral relations and expanding opportunities for Kenyan youth in the global labour market.
Mudavadi said the meeting underscored Kenya’s growing diplomatic influence and its potential to unlock new partnerships focused on skills development, employment creation, and economic growth.
The discussions came after Ambassador Tang conveyed the Philippines’ appreciation for Kenya’s support during the recent United Nations Security Council candidature process.
“Kenya’s growing diplomatic capital continues to create new opportunities for cooperation, influence, and shared prosperity across the globe,” Mudavadi said in a statement after the meeting.
According to the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the two leaders explored areas of mutual interest, including diaspora management, seafarer training and development of the blue economy.
The discussions highlighted the Philippines’ global reputation as a leading maritime nation and one of the world’s largest suppliers of seafarers, an area Kenya is increasingly seeking to leverage as it expands opportunities for its workforce.
Mudavadi noted that collaboration in maritime training could open new employment pathways for Kenyan youth while strengthening skills transfer and knowledge exchange between the two countries.
“These sectors present significant opportunities for skills development, employment creation, and knowledge exchange, particularly for Kenyan youth seeking opportunities in the global labour market,” he said.
The talks also focused on the blue economy, a sector that has become a key pillar of Kenya’s economic development strategy. The government has been promoting investments in maritime transport, fisheries, coastal tourism, and ocean-based industries as part of efforts to diversify economic opportunities.
Mudavadi observed that the Philippines’ experience in seafarer training and deployment could complement Kenya’s ambitions to become a regional maritime hub and expand participation in global shipping industries.
“As a leading maritime nation, the Philippines has valuable experience in seafarer training and deployment, while Kenya continues to expand its blue economy potential,” he said.
The two sides further agreed on the need to establish legal and institutional frameworks that would support stronger bilateral engagement and facilitate implementation of joint programmes.
Mudavadi said the proposed frameworks would help transform diplomatic engagements into practical outcomes that benefit citizens of both countries through trade, investment, and workforce development initiatives.
He expressed optimism that enhanced collaboration between Nairobi and Manila would create lasting benefits for both nations while advancing shared development goals.