Kenya celebrates 101st anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, strengthening diplomatic ties

By Robert Mutasi 

The Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye to Nairobi, Kenya, held a major event in celebration of the 101st anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye. 

This was one of those most memorable moments that have dotted the Kenyan-Türkiye diplomatic relationship. 

In this regard, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Aden Duale, represented the Government of Kenya at an event that brought together other leaders and diplomats. 

The event was hosted by the Turkish Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Subutay Yüksel.

During the address, CS Duale marked the growing bond between Kenya and Türkiye at an increased pace over the years. 

To this end, he hailed the state of diplomatic relations between Kenya and Türkiye, which he said was positively impacting socio-economic development in the country. 

He hailed the sustainability goals of the government of Türkiye, such as achieving a Net-Zero carbon target by 2050 and a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 41% by 2030. 

According to CS Duale, this goal aligns with global environmental benchmarks, placing Türkiye into the bracket of countries leading the course in mitigating the challenge of climate change.

"Türkiye's sustainability targets set a global example, and Kenya is proud to align with such a forward-thinking partner," Duale said. 

He added that regional and global progress toward environmental conservation and climate change was imperative, with Kenya's partnership with Türkiye.

The greatest highlight of the diplomatic relationship between the two countries is the work of the Turkish International Cooperation and Coordination Agency, TİKA, which has actively participated in supporting Kenya's socio-economic development. 

CS Duale acknowledged efforts by TİKA, pointing out they were in line with President William Ruto's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda aimed at ensuring shared prosperity for economic growth, poverty reduction, and improving livelihoods for all Kenyans.

The anniversary was also made a venue for reiterating the commitment of the two countries to sustained cooperation in various fields, notably in trade and investment, regional security, and shared concern for the environment. 

Duale added that such partnerships will keep driving global stability and open opportunities toward common prosperity.

It has reiterated the event for rich history and the different aspects of efforts to maintain close relations with other countries; Kenya being one of them in the East African region, such a future direction might be carried forward by both countries. 

Such joint efforts are liable to grow stronger in areas like sustainability, economic development, and security.

While this marked a time in reflections about the legacy that had been built for Türkiye, it celebrated the continuing collaboration of the two countries that would go a long way in bringing immense benefit in the years ahead.