Kenya-Korea Parliamentary Group Meets Korean Ambassador to Deepen Bilateral Ties
0
0
Nairobi, 20th May 2025 — The Kenya-Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group, chaired by Hon. Marianne Keitany (Aldai), met today with H.E. Kang Hyungshik, the Korean Ambassador to Kenya, to explore ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Kenya and Korea have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1964. Over time, the partnership has expanded into areas such as trade, education, technology, and health.
Hon. Keitany praised Korea’s economic rise, saying Kenya should draw lessons from its model. “Twenty years ago, our economies were similar in scale. Today, Korea is a global economic power. We must leverage this friendship for economic and knowledge exchange,” she noted.
Amb. Kang highlighted Korea’s continued support, including the development of KAIST Kenya at Konza Technopolis, inspired by Korea’s KAIST and MIT. He also announced that YongWan, a Korean textile company, is nearing completion of a manufacturing plant in Kenya that will create over 2,000 jobs.
The Ambassador expressed interest in expanding partnerships in the blue economy, sea farming, shipbuilding, and irrigation through aid and development programs.
Hon. Amina Mnyazi (Malindi) noted that Kenya will host the 11th UN Ocean Conference in Mombasa in 2026, offering a key moment to deepen maritime cooperation with Korea.
Other MPs emphasized opportunities in agriculture and trade. Hon. Gichimu (Gichugu) called for better access to Korean markets for tea, coffee, and avocado farmers, while Hon. Mary Maingi (Mwea) highlighted ongoing projects in agriculture and textiles, including hopes to revive a local cotton ginnery.
The meeting ended with mutual commitments to deepen trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. Amb. Kang summed it up: “This is just the beginning. We look forward to building a lasting and dynamic partnership with Kenya.”
About The Author
