In a heartwarming display of bilateral friendship, Islamabad recently hosted a special event to celebrate Kenya’s 62nd Jamhuri Day. Organized by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), the gathering highlighted the deepening Pakistan-Kenya relations and untapped potential for collaboration in trade, defense, and cultural exchanges.
Historical Bonds and Shared Values
Jamhuri Day, observed annually on December 12, commemorates Kenya’s independence from British colonial rule in 1963 and its establishment as a republic in 1964 under the leadership of Jomo Kenyatta. The event in Islamabad kicked off with the national anthems of Pakistan, Kenya, and the East African Community (EAC), symbolizing regional solidarity.
Chief Guest Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President of PAIDAR, emphasized the deep historical ties between the two nations, rooted in a shared colonial past, Commonwealth membership, and Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kenya’s freedom struggle. He pointed to contemporary strengths, including robust people-to-people connections, defense cooperation, and a vibrant Pakistani diaspora in Kenya.
Economic Opportunities in Pakistan-Kenya Trade
A recurring theme was the growing economic partnership. Bilateral trade has shown steady progress, with recent figures indicating volumes approaching $1 billion, driven by Kenya’s tea exports to Pakistan—a staple in Pakistani households—and Pakistan’s rice, pharmaceuticals, and textiles heading to Kenya. Speakers highlighted complementarities in agriculture, with potential joint ventures in tea and rice production, as well as opportunities in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and skills development for youth.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa) at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recalled the successful Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference hosted in Kenya in 2020, which attracted over 200 Pakistani businessmen. He expressed keen interest in leveraging Mombasa Port for enhanced connectivity and exploring industrial collaborations.
Pakistan’s ‘Engage Africa’ Policy and Future Prospects
The event underscored Kenya’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s ‘Engage Africa’ initiative, aimed at boosting diplomatic and economic engagement across the continent. Director General ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, announced plans for an “Africa Corner” at ISSI in 2026 to further this policy. He praised Kenya’s achievements in governance, tourism, conservation, and innovation, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to multilateral cooperation, including within the Global South and Belt and Road Initiative frameworks.
Kenyan High Commissioner Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru celebrated Kenya’s progress in democracy, economic dynamism, and regional peace efforts, noting longstanding ties in trade, education, and maritime security. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ibrar Hussain Khan, highlighted Kenya’s renewable energy advantages and inclusive society, home to a thriving 30,000-strong Pakistani community.
Moderated by Dr. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, the discussions concluded with a vote of thanks from Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, who stressed the strategic importance of elevating economic partnerships.
As Pakistan and Kenya look ahead, events like this Jamhuri Day commemoration signal a promising era of enhanced Pakistan-Kenya diplomatic relations, mutual prosperity, and Afro-Asian solidarity. With shared ideals of sovereignty and development, the two nations are poised to unlock greater cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.
