Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official Kenya visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations, focusing on digital economy and affordable housing cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Kenya beginning today will strengthen bilateral and economic relations between both nations.
Malaysian High Commissioner to Kenya Ruzaimi Mohamad said Anwar arrives in Nairobi at 6 pm local time accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The Prime Minister’s delegation arrives directly from the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Anwar will attend a state banquet hosted by President William Samoei Ruto at the State House upon arrival.
The following day features an official welcoming ceremony at the State House marking his state visit.
Ruzaimi said the welcoming ceremony precedes a one-on-one meeting between Anwar and Ruto, followed by bilateral talks.
He noted Malaysia-Kenya relations have strengthened significantly in trade, education, science and technology.
Affordable housing projects represent a key discussion topic between both leaders.
“President Ruto actively spearheads affordable housing projects,” Ruzaimi stated.
“Malaysia’s successful housing projects enabling home ownership present cooperation opportunities with Kenya.”
The digital economy offers another promising sector for Malaysian companies exploring Kenyan opportunities.
Both leaders will witness memoranda of understanding exchanges covering tourism and Kuala Lumpur-Nairobi city council cooperation after bilateral meetings.
Anwar will deliver the keynote address and officially open the Malaysia-Africa Higher Education Forum in Nairobi.
He will also address the Malaysia-Kenya High Level Business Forum attended by 200 company representatives from both nations.
The Prime Minister will engage directly with business representatives at the forum.
Anwar will meet a Kenyan company seeking agricultural investment cooperation with Malaysian firms.
Later, he will meet Kenya’s Islamic community leaders and Jamia Mosque representatives in Nairobi.
The Prime Minister will present Quran copies with Swahili translation during the meeting.
Before concluding his visit, Anwar attends a luncheon with Malaysians and Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme alumni.
The MTCP provides short-term training to developing countries including Kenya since 1980.
Malaysia offers training courses, scholarships and capacity-building programmes in public administration, education, technology and social development through MTCP.
Over 600 Kenyan officers have benefited from the Malaysian government training programme.
Kenya emerged as Malaysia’s third-largest African trading partner in 2024 with RM5.7 billion total trade.
Anwar departs Nairobi for Malaysia after the event, concluding his three-nation African tour that began November 18. – Bernama
