By Dorothy Musyoka
Kenya has reaffirmed its long-standing and fruitful partnership with New Zealand, a relationship spanning more than four decades of collaboration in the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and various multilateral platforms.
During a farewell courtesy call with the outgoing High Commissioner of New Zealand to Kenya, H.E. Michael Upton, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi expressed deep appreciation for the strong diplomatic ties and meaningful cooperation advanced during his tenure.
He thanked New Zealand for its support during the recent UN General Assembly and Security Council elections, particularly for endorsing Kenya’s candidature to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
This gesture underscored the trust and solidarity shared between the two nations.
High Commissioner Upton was commended for strengthening bilateral cooperation, notably in the energy sector, where New Zealand has provided technical expertise at the Menengai steam field, contributing to Kenya’s progress in geothermal development.
Kenya also acknowledged the impact of the fully funded Maanaki New Zealand postgraduate scholarships and specialized short-term training programmes offered to Kenyan civil servants.
“We remain grateful for the fully funded Maanaki New Zealand postgraduate scholarships and the short-term training programmes offered to Kenyan civil servants, which continue to build vital skills for national development,” stated Musalia Mudavadi.
Kenya welcomed New Zealand’s commitment to backing calls for increased funding to IFAD, aimed at bolstering food security and resilience in rural, arid, and semi-arid areas.
“Kenya welcomes New Zealand’s commitment to supporting our call for increased funding to IFAD, strengthening resilience and food security in rural, arid, and semi-arid regions,” added Mudavadi.
Kenya reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the incoming High Commissioner to expand cooperation in transport, technology, forestry, environmental conservation, and the blue economy.