Prime CS Mudavadi Signals New Strategic Chapter in Kenya–Korea Relations
Kenya and the Republic of Korea are seeking to deepen their more than six-decade partnership by expanding cooperation in technology, innovation, investment, skills development and knowledge exchange.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Dr. Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya was keen to build a more reciprocal relationship with Korea as the country defines its development priorities beyond Vision 2030, with greater emphasis on economic transformation and opportunities for its young population.
“Kenya and Korea share a relationship that has evolved with the times, and today, technology, innovation, investment and knowledge exchange are defining an exciting new chapter in our partnership,” Mudavadi said at the Kenya–Korea Cultural and Networking Forum 2026 in Nairobi yesterday.
Mudavadi said Kenya wanted the partnership to move beyond traditional development assistance towards stronger investment, technology transfer, knowledge exchange and joint innovation.
He said Korea’s development experience offered valuable lessons as Kenya engages citizens through the National Conversation on the country’s future beyond Vision 2030 and explores new pathways for economic transformation.
The renewed focus comes against the backdrop of growing political and institutional engagement between the two countries. Kenya participated in the inaugural Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul in June 2026, while engagements with Korean counterparts and institutions have continued to expand cooperation across strategic sectors.
The Host Country Agreement involving Kenya, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korea Export-Import Bank also provides a framework for strengthening development cooperation, investment and institutional partnerships.
Human capital development remains an important component of the relationship. More than 2,400 Kenyan public-sector leaders, policy experts, technical specialists and corporate leaders have benefited from KOICA training programmes.
Mudavadi called for stronger links between government, universities and industry to ensure that skills acquired through such programmes translate into innovation, technology transfer and economic opportunities.
He also highlighted Kenya’s growing cooperation with Korean institutions in science and technology, including the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), whose chartering in May 2026 reinforced the country’s focus on building capacity in science, technology and innovation.
Korean Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Kang Hyung-Shik said Korea increasingly viewed Kenya as an equal partner with significant potential for collaboration.
He identified artificial intelligence, clean energy, climate action, smart agriculture, healthcare, technical and vocational education and training, and youth development as areas with potential for expanded cooperation.
The two countries are also seeking to strengthen commercial ties. Korea’s experience in technology, manufacturing and industrialisation offers opportunities for collaboration with Kenya’s growing digital economy, entrepreneurial sector and strategic position as a gateway to the wider African market.
KOICA has supported development programmes in Kenya since 2008, including initiatives in water, health, education, agriculture and vocational training.
Among these is the Bungoma Water Project, which has benefited about 200,000 people, with planned expansion expected to extend services to a further 200,000. In Kajiado, Korean support has contributed to maternal and child healthcare since 2008, including the development of the Kitengela specialised centre.
KOICA Kenya Country Director Wankyu Park said the agency was working to strengthen links between Korean businesses and Kenyan institutions and enterprises.
“Our ambition is to connect Korean businesses with Kenyan institutions and enterprises in ways that create lasting value, investment opportunities and stronger commercial partnerships,” Park said.
Several Korean companies are already operating in Kenya. K-ELEC manufactures consumer electronics, including smart televisions and refrigerators, while Neutrion operates in beauty and health products. Youngtun focuses on creative content, including graphic design, webtoons, animation and digital media, and employs Kenyan designers.
Cooperation also extends to multilateral and humanitarian initiatives. Korea has worked with UNDP, WFP, UNICEF and IOM on programmes addressing refugee support, climate change, food security and the prevention of violent extremism.
Korean-supported initiatives have also contributed to Nairobi’s intelligent transport and bus rapid transit development, as well as digital media components associated with Konza Technopolis.
People-to-people ties provide another dimension of the partnership. The KOICA Alumni Kenya Chapter, established in 2008 under the patronage of KOICA and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, brings together Kenyan professionals who have undertaken training in Korea.
Mudavadi urged the alumni, led by President Angela Mukiri, to use their professional networks strategically as potential special envoys for Kenya–Korea relations, particularly in advancing knowledge exchange, technology transfer, cultural diplomacy, trade and investment.
He also emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy, noting that exchanges around Korean heritage and Kenyan artistic and culinary traditions can strengthen understanding and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Kenya and Korea established diplomatic relations in 1964. Ambassador Kang noted that Kenya was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to host a Korean embassy.
As Kenya defines its priorities beyond Vision 2030, both sides are looking to build on the existing relationship by expanding cooperation that delivers practical outcomes in investment, technology, skills development, innovation and economic growth.