Kenya seeks deeper ties with Zimbabwe across key s...

Kenya seeks deeper ties with Zimbabwe across key sectors

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

Kenya is poised to significantly expand its cooperation with Zimbabwe, targeting a multifaceted approach that encompasses trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange. This clear intent was articulated by Kenya's newly appointed Ambassador-designate to Zimbabwe, Gertrude Nyausi Angote, shortly after presenting her diplomatic credentials to President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House on Wednesday.

Ambassador Angote emphasized the historical and enduring bond between the two East African and Southern African nations. "We came to Harare as the Republic of Kenya. You know that we share very close economic ties in trade and investment, but also, more importantly, we intend to deepen our diplomatic relations in many ways," she stated, outlining trade and investment as immediate top priorities.

Beyond economic ventures, tourism and cultural exchange also feature prominently on Kenya's agenda. Ambassador Angote highlighted the strong history of collaboration in these areas, expressing a keen desire to build on past successes to foster greater people-to-people connections and boost mutual tourism flows.

The envoy also extended the scope of cooperation to critical regional and continental challenges, with climate change identified as a paramount concern for Africa. "Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change," Angote noted, underscoring Kenya's hope to work closely with Zimbabwe in building resilience and advancing actionable solutions against its devastating effects. This collaborative stance reflects a shared understanding of the urgent need for collective climate action across the continent.

Ambassador Angote further commended the existing spirit of cooperation between Kenya and Zimbabwe in crucial peace-building efforts. She pointed to their engagement through regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC), recognizing the pivotal roles played by both nations' Presidents in these initiatives. "We are looking at continuing those kinds of relations and deepening our engagements,” she affirmed.