(NAIROBI, KENYA) – Kenya and Türkiye have agreed to deepen their partnership with a focus on trade, investment, transport links, security and health. The decision came during talks in Nairobi between Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, and a Turkish parliamentary delegation.
The discussions aimed at turning long standing political ties into practical economic gains for both nations. Mudavadi said stronger global partnerships should open doors for Kenyan businesses, create jobs and connect people to bigger markets. He added that diplomatic relations must deliver clear benefits for citizens, businesses and investors.
Kenya sees potential for higher Turkish investment, expanded bilateral trade and stronger links between companies in the two countries. Priority areas include tourism, aviation, manufacturing and trade. Better cooperation in these sectors could support job creation, technology transfer, skills development and industrial growth. It could also help Kenya join regional and global value chains.
A key point of discussion was cooperation between Kenya Airways and Turkish Airlines. Improved air links would make travel easier for tourists, investors and business people. For Kenya, better connectivity with Türkiye supports its goal of being a gateway to East Africa and a hub for tourism, investment and international business.
The Kenyan side was led by Dr Adan Keynan Wehliye, Chairperson of the Kenya Türkiye Parliamentary Friendship Group. The Turkish delegation was led by Ismail Güneş, a member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and Co-Chair of the Türkiye Kenya Parliamentary Friendship Group. The meeting showed how parliamentary diplomacy can support government level engagement and keep political dialogue active.
Güneş said Türkiye’s diplomatic presence in Africa has grown, with embassies rising from 12 to 44. He said this reflects Ankara’s commitment to stronger partnerships with African countries. He also noted that high level visits between Kenya and Türkiye, including presidential and parliamentary exchanges, have built a firm political base for the relationship.
Security and regional stability were also discussed. Both sides agreed that peace and security are vital for economic development. The Turkish delegation offered to share experience in counter terrorism, defence sector development and building a domestic defence industry. Ankara also pointed to its work in Somalia and its interest in supporting stability in the Horn of Africa.
The Turkish side cited key defence agreements, including the Defence Industry Agreement signed in 2023 and the Defence Cooperation Agreement concluded in May 2026. They expressed hope that these agreements would move through the legislative processes and provide a stronger framework for cooperation.
Mudavadi welcomed Türkiye’s role in regional and international peace and security. He said conflicts in different parts of the world have effects far beyond their immediate areas, including disruptions to global supply chains that affect African economies. He encouraged Türkiye to continue its diplomatic and mediation efforts in support of dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Health was another area of possible cooperation. The Turkish delegation shared knowledge on health infrastructure, social health protection and specialised medical services. Türkiye said it was ready to work with Kenya on hospital infrastructure, medical training, health technology, health system management and health tourism. Such cooperation could bring knowledge and technology transfer, build institutional capacity and improve access to specialised healthcare.