Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and advancing multilateral cooperation following a series of high-level diplomatic engagements at Harambee House Annex in Nairobi.
During a meeting with Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Deputy President underscored Kenya’s unwavering support for the principles and values of the United Nations and backed ongoing reforms aimed at making the global body more agile and responsive to emerging 21st-century challenges.
Kindiki described Kenya as immensely proud to host the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), the only UN headquarters located in the Global South, noting that the institution has cemented Nairobi’s position as a critical centre for global governance, particularly in matters relating to environmental sustainability and human settlements.
He welcomed the continued expansion of the UN presence in Kenya, highlighting the relocation of key operations of UNICEF, UNFPA and UN Women to Nairobi alongside the long-established headquarters of UNEP and UN-Habitat.
The Deputy President also praised the ongoing 340-million-dollar modernization and expansion project at the UN complex in Gigiri, reiterating the Kenyan Government’s commitment to supporting the initiative through complementary investments in surrounding infrastructure, including roads, security systems and sustainable utilities.
Kindiki further expressed Kenya’s strong backing for the UN Secretary-General’s UN80 reform initiative, describing it as an important step towards building a more coordinated and effective multilateral institution capable of addressing complex global challenges.
He emphasized Kenya’s role as a pillar of regional peace and stability, citing its contribution to international peacekeeping efforts, including leadership in the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti, and called for more predictable and equitable financing mechanisms for global peace operations.
President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock commended Kenya for its steadfast support of the United Nations and acknowledged Nairobi’s growing importance as a global diplomatic hub.
She noted that the presence of dozens of UN agencies and international organizations in Nairobi demonstrates the city’s strategic value and growing attractiveness as an international duty station, expressing optimism that even more UN operations could be established in Kenya in the future.
Baerbock also praised Kenya’s leadership in promoting multilateralism, migration governance and peacekeeping, describing the country’s partnership with the UN as critical at a time when the international rules-based order faces increasing pressure.
In a separate diplomatic engagement Deputy President Kindiki hosted Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Juraj Blanár, for bilateral talks aimed at expanding cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in trade and investment, renewable energy, emerging technologies, labour mobility, education and healthcare while addressing technical barriers limiting Kenyan exports to the Slovak market.
The meeting was attended by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, Youth Affairs, Sports and the Creative Economy Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Minister Blanár, who is leading a delegation comprising representatives from 35 Slovak companies and institutions, described Kenya as a strategic gateway to East Africa and praised the long-standing relationship between the two nations dating back to the establishment of Slovakia’s embassy in Nairobi in 1993.
He expressed confidence that ongoing discussions and the proposed Kenya-Slovakia trade initiatives would unlock new investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
As part of the visit, the Slovak delegation participated in a Kenya-Slovakia Business Forum aimed at promoting commercial partnerships, technology transfer and investment collaboration.
Blanár also highlighted Slovakia’s humanitarian support to Kenya, announcing the delivery of emergency aid, including first-aid kits and folding beds, to communities affected by floods and extreme weather events through the Kenya Red Cross.
The Deputy President’s engagements reflect Kenya’s continued strategy of strengthening global partnerships, promoting economic diplomacy and reinforcing Nairobi’s position as a leading centre for international cooperation and sustainable development in Africa.
