Kenya is looking to strengthen trade, investment and job creation through closer ties with Australia following a visit by Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oei.
Sing’Oei completed the visit under Australia’s Special Visitors Programme (SVP). Canberra reserves the programme for leaders from countries it considers strategic partners. The invitation highlights Kenya’s growing role as an important partner in Africa.
Focus on Economic Growth
The visit comes as Kenya works to expand its global partnerships and attract more foreign investment.
Australia offers expertise in mining, renewable energy, agriculture, higher education and digital technology. Kenya hopes to use that experience to support growth in key sectors of the economy.
During the visit, Sing’Oei met officials from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Austrade, industry leaders and representatives from the University of Technology Sydney.
The discussions focused on increasing trade and investment. They also explored research partnerships, skills development and job creation for Kenyans.
Education and Labour Opportunities
The two countries also discussed expanding education partnerships and labour mobility programmes.
According to Kenyan officials, these initiatives could create more opportunities for Kenyan students and professionals to study and work in Australia.
Officials also recognised the Kenyan diaspora in Australia as an important link between the two countries. About 35,000 Kenyans live and work there in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, information technology, academia and business.
The government said the diaspora continues to support investment, trade and the exchange of knowledge.
Cooperation on Regional Security
Besides economic ties, Kenya and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and security.
As Indian Ocean states and founding members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the two countries discussed cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, counter-terrorism and defence.
They said stronger cooperation in these areas would help protect regional stability and international trade routes.
Call for Financial Reforms
During a lecture at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Sing’Oei called for reforms to the global financial system.
He urged Australia to support Africa through technical cooperation on guarantee and blended-finance programmes. He also called for closer cooperation on multilateral reforms and greater Australian investment in African-led institutions.
“My ask to the Government of Australia is for partnership of a particular kind. Technical exchange on how you design your guarantee and blended-finance instruments, so that Africa-led vehicles can learn from what has worked in your region. Coordinated positioning between our two governments in the multilateral reform conversation, where middle powers are most effective when they move together, and an honest exploration of where Australian risk capital and Australian expertise might sit alongside African institutions,” Sing’Oei said.
Support for Kenya’s International Candidates
At a reception hosted by Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia, Ambassador Dr. Wilson Kogo, Sing’Oei also sought support for Kenya’s candidates in two international judicial elections.
He backed Prof. Phoebe Okowa for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and Lady Justice Njoki Ndungu for the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The visit reflects Kenya’s wider foreign policy strategy of attracting investment, expanding trade, creating jobs and strengthening its influence in regional and global affairs.