Kenya, UK and Finland Deepen Cooperation on Peace Mediation
Kenya, together with the United Kingdom and Finland, convened the Kenya–UK–Finland Tripartite Mediation Workshop in Nairobi from 4–5 March 2026, bringing together senior officials, mediation experts and peace practitioners to strengthen cooperation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Opening the workshop, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, underscored the urgency of revitalising dialogue-led approaches amid a marked rise in conflicts globally and their humanitarian and economic costs. He noted the strain on international norms and institutions and called for stronger, more inclusive mediation frameworks and deeper partnerships, further indicating that Kenya, in collaboration with partners, is developing a proposed “Peace Treaty” to strengthen international mediation standards for internal conflicts.
The United Kingdom, represented by Dr. Ed Barnett, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Nairobi, commended Kenya’s growing role as a regional diplomatic hub and emphasised the need for mediation approaches that match today’s complex, multipolar environment, anchored in inclusive peacebuilding and the meaningful participation of women.
Finland’s Deputy Head of Mission, Leo Svahnback, reaffirmed Finland’s longstanding mediation tradition inspired by the legacy of Nobel Laureate Martti Ahtisaari, and reiterated Finland’s commitment to supporting constructive dialogue and global peace initiatives.
Organised by Peace and Security Division in collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Conflict Resolution Department and the Finnish Centre for Peace Mediation (CFPM), the workshop enabled participants to exchange experience, strengthen professional networks and agree on practical areas for continued trilateral cooperation.
Resource persons, including Amb. Mohamed Ali Guyo (IGAD Special Envoy for the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Somalia) and Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Aphaxard Muthuri Kiugu (former Commander, EAC Regional Force in the DRC), Mr. Kelvin Thuo, Minister Cousellor, Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Addis Ababa shared operational insights from mediation and peace support efforts across Eastern and the Horn of Africa.
Closing the workshop, Amb. Josphat Maikara, EBS, Director-General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to peace diplomacy and noted that trilateral cooperation strengthens collective capacity to respond to both emerging and protracted conflicts. He observed that contemporary conflicts are increasingly shaped by geopolitical competition, technological change, transnational crime, climate stressors and shifting political dynamics—requiring mediation to evolve accordingly.
He emphasised the need to institutionalise mediation through predictable resources, specialised expertise and political backing, and reiterated the importance of inclusive processes that meaningfully engage women, youth, local leaders and marginalised groups, while recognising the gendered impacts of conflict. He further highlighted the responsible use of digital tools to support dialogue, early warning and preventive diplomacy.
The workshop reaffirmed the shared commitment of Kenya, the United Kingdom and Finland to strengthen mediation, advance diplomacy and promote stability in Africa and beyond.