Kenya, Colombia sign MoUs on trade, tourism and gender equality

Kenya and Colombia have signed agreements to help them boost trade and knowledge exchange in various sectors of the economy.

The MoUs were signed during a meeting between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Colombian Vice President Franica Elena Marquez Mina on Monday at his residence in Karen. 

Marquez is in the country for a four-day state visit.

Among the agreement's signed were the establishment of a Joint Commission for Cooperation, and Gender Equality and Women Empowerment.

Further, they signed declarations to work together in training of Spanish, promotion of culture, tourism, higher learning, trade and investment and mining.

To strengthen trade ties between the two nations, the two leaders committed to engage the relevant national authorities on establishment of direct flights.

The relations will further be strengthened through scholarships in specific areas of expertise.

Gachagua said Kenya was focused on increasing a two-way trade and investment cooperation with Colombia.

"This by prioritising commercial programmes and promotion of business interactions between in the MSMEs, the private sector and Business Management Organisations," he added.

He said Kenya stands to benefit more from the trade relations with Colombia, especially in the coffee sub sector and bamboo technology in the affordable housing.

During the meeting, Gachagua accepted an invitation to Colombia to understand how the production and distribution chain work, for the farmers to reap more.

Marquez said the two countries have gone through similar socio-economic challenges, adding that opportunities for collaboration will benefit citizens towards sustainable development.

She said Colombia is ready to offer technical training to Kenyans on the use of bamboos in housing.

"We want to see more entrepreneurs from Kenya and Colombia investing in either country. Kenya is ahead in tourism. We want to work with you in this field,"she said.

"We will be at your disposal in sharing production techniques and supporting coffee farmers. "

Further, Marquez lobbied Kenya to support calls for financial climate fund, saying while Kenya suffered under prolonged drought, Colombia faced floods, which led to damage lives and livelihoods.

She proposed that developed countries swap debts owed by developing world to help them mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

The VP praised the late Novel Laureate Prof Wangari Maathai for putting Kenya on the map in environmental conservation.

The leaders attended a Business Forum organised by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry at the Serena Hotel.

During the Forum, Trade CS Moses Kuria said the two countries had a lot to learn from each other as they cultivate a better business environment.

"As a government, we want to work with all friends from friendly nations. We are ready to play our part to strengthen the South-South cooperation. There are many lessons Kenya can learn from Colombia in the value addition in the coffee industry," he said. 

On her part, Colombia Tourism Vice-Minister Arturo Bravo said they were looking forward to improved relations after the visit.

"This is a unique opportunity to explore important commercial and tourism opportunities between our two countries. Kenya and Colombia share similar geographical, economic similarities which we are keen to explore," she said.

Marquez is on the first visit to Kenya since she became Vice President following 2022 polls, which saw to the election of Gustavo Petro as President.

She is the first woman of African descend to be elected to the office of the Vice President.