KENYA AND CANADA SEEK TO DEEPEN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP DURING THE 4TH BINATIONAL COMMISSION IN NAIROBI, KENYA
KENYA AND CANADA SEEK TO DEEPEN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP DURING THE 4TH BINATIONAL COMMISSION IN NAIOBI, KENYA
Kenya and Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in trade and investment, labour mobility, education, health, development cooperation, peace and security during the Fourth Session of the Kenya–Canada Binational Commission. The Commission was co-chaired by Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’oei and the Canadian delegation was led by Mr. Arun Thangaraj, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.
During the Commission proceedings, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’oei underscored the longstanding friendship between the two countries, noting that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1963, Kenya and Canada had built a partnership anchored on mutual respect, shared democratic values, multilateral cooperation, peace and sustainable development.
The Principal Secretary observed that the Binational Commission, established in 2018, provides an important institutional framework for reviewing bilateral commitments, assessing progress and identifying new opportunities for cooperation. He called for a more comprehensive and results-oriented approach that translates diplomatic goodwill into practical action and measurable benefits for the citizens of both countries.
Expanding Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation
Dr. Sing’oei highlighted the importance of strengthening trade, investment and economic cooperation, noting that Kenya offers a dynamic economy, strategic access to the East African market and a youthful, skilled workforce, while Canada brings valuable expertise in technology, agriculture, clean energy, mining, education and innovation.
Kenya invited Canadian investors to explore opportunities in agriculture and agri-food value chains, manufacturing, renewable energy, digital technologies and infrastructure, emphasizing the potential of these sectors to create employment, facilitate skills transfer and support sustainable economic growth.
Advancing Labour Mobility, Education and Skills Development
On labour mobility, Kenya welcomed ongoing discussions towards establishing a Kenya–Canada Labour Mobility Framework at both national and provincial government levels. The proposed framework is expected to create mutually beneficial opportunities by connecting Kenya's youthful, educated and skilled workforce with Canada's labour market needs.
The Principal Secretary called for expanded partnerships in technical training, research and professional development, while emphasizing the importance of safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour mobility. He further underscored the need to safeguard workers against exploitation, irregular recruitment and human trafficking.
Strengthening Health and Development Cooperation
On health cooperation, Kenya outlined ongoing reforms under its Universal Health Coverage agenda, including strengthening primary healthcare, expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare services, improving health financing through the Social Health Authority, investing in the health workforce and enhancing access to essential medicines and medical supplies.
To advance collaboration, Kenya proposed the establishment or strengthening of a Kenya–Canada Health Sector Technical Working Group to coordinate priority interventions and monitor implementation. It also called for a joint health cooperation action plan with measurable deliverables and encouraged Canadian pharmaceutical companies to establish manufacturing facilities and regional distribution hubs in Kenya to address gaps in medical commodities and supplies.
The Principal Secretary also acknowledged Canada's continued development support in health, education, gender equality, inclusive growth, climate resilience and humanitarian assistance. He called for deeper cooperation in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, sustainable marine resource management and the blue economy, supported by investment, technology transfer and institutional capacity-building.
Deepening Political, Peace and Security Cooperation
On political and strategic affairs, Kenya reaffirmed Canada's importance as a bilateral and multilateral partner, citing the two countries' shared commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law, human rights, effective multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Kenya called for sustained high-level engagements, stronger diplomatic consultations and enhanced coordination on bilateral, regional and international issues. It also invited Canada to continue supporting Nairobi's role as a regional diplomatic hub and its contribution to multilateral diplomacy, particularly through the United Nations offices in Nairobi.
The two countries were encouraged to deepen cooperation in peacekeeping, conflict prevention, counterterrorism, regional stability and the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies. Kenya further underscored the importance of international governance reforms, climate action, sustainable development and reform of the international financial architecture.
Kenya also expressed appreciation for Canada's support towards the successful election of Judge Prof. Phoebe Okowa to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), while seeking its support for the candidature of Justice Njoki Ndung'u to the International Criminal Court (ICC), Kenya's candidature to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the country's bid to host the 2028 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Strengthening Consular Cooperation and People-to-People Relations
Recognising the contribution of diasporas, students, professionals, entrepreneurs and cultural communities in strengthening bilateral relations, Kenya called for enhanced consular cooperation and stronger people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
The Commission also provided an opportunity for Kenya to brief the Canadian delegation on preparations for the 2027 General Elections. Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating a safe, free and fair electoral process and highlighted the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's ongoing efforts to expand diaspora voter registration and participation.
From Commitments to Implementation
Emphasizing the importance of translating discussions into tangible outcomes, Dr. Sing’oei urged delegates to agree on clear priorities, assign institutional responsibilities, establish realistic timelines and put in place effective monitoring mechanisms to track implementation.
He reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to working closely with Canada to ensure that the outcomes of the Fourth Binational Commission translate into meaningful and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Fourth Session of the Kenya–Canada Binational Commission builds on the longstanding partnership between the two countries and provides a platform to advance shared priorities, strengthen institutional linkages and unlock new opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development.