Slovenia plans to cover Kenya non-residentially and strengthen economic cooperation
Minister Tanja Fajon and Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, discussed the upgrading of the dialogue between the two countries and proposed that political consultations be held in early 2025. "I informed the Prime Cabinet Secretary that Slovenia would like to cover Kenya on a diplomatic and consular level from the Embassy in Addis Ababa and also strengthen the political dialogue between the two countries," said Minister Fajon. 3 November marked the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Slovenia and Kenya, and Minister Tanja Fajon is the first high-level Slovenian representative to visit Kenya.
Minister Fajon stressed that Slovenia will continue its efforts to work with Kenya, including in the framework of development co-operation. Slovenia is currently funding two projects, the first of which aims to support river basin management in Kenya through satellite technology and digital modelling in the period 2023–2025. The project aims to provide appropriate satellite technologies and digital models to enable decision-makers to access the most objective environmental data and make comprehensive ecosystem analyses. The second project, which Slovenia will implement together with the World Food Programme (WFP), aims to strengthen the climate resilience of communities in the arid regions of Kenya. The project will focus on soil conservation and management for sustainable ecosystem restoration and on strengthening local honey production by involving the private sector. At the same time, women beekeepers will be encouraged to generate profits and actively participate in decision-making within their communities.
The two ministers also discussed the positive co-operation during Slovenia's non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council, and in particular the need to work for peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region. Minister Fajon also welcomed Kenya's stabilising role in South Sudan and Haiti, where Kenyan troops are key to establishing security.
Minister Fajon and the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Salim Mvurya, discussed the current economic co-operation between the two countries and identified new opportunities for both Slovenia and Kenya. "I see great potential in renewable energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, tourism and beekeeping. The Cabinet Secretary and I have agreed to start working together in the field of the economy," said Minister Fajon, adding that several Slovenian companies are very successful in Kenya – CTC Group (housing construction), Geocodis (development of interactive portals), Roto Group (production of plastic water tanks), Tevel (industry), Waboost (water technology). The two countries could further strengthen their cooperation in the following areas: solar energy production, agriculture, waste management and water management. As a manufacturing hub for the whole of Africa, Kenya is also interested in pharmaceutical production and artificial intelligence. In the future, Kenya could be an entry point for Slovenian companies to the African market. Similarly, Slovenia could be an entry point for Kenyan products to the markets of Central and South West Europe through the Port of Koper.