President William Ruto has announced plans to travel to Malaysia next year in a visit expected to unlock new opportunities in housing, education, health, and private sector collaboration.
The announcement was made on Monday, November 24, during a joint press conference at State House where Ruto and Malaysian Prime Minister Andrew Ibrahim outlined new areas of cooperation.
"I will be visiting Malaysia next year and carry quite a bit of the private sector with me so that they can come and see what Malaysia has done with the housing program, human resource development and matters health," he said.
Additionally, Ruto noted that Malaysia has been invited to participate in Kenya’s public-private partnership framework and confirmed that its prime minister will meet Kenya’s education leaders to explore collaboration.
"I have invited Malaysia to participate in public private partnership. The Prime minister of Malaysia will be meeting with our education stakeholders to discuss matters education," he added.
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On his part, Ibrahim, who is on an official visit to Kenya, said the two countries had agreed to elevate their cooperation into a full strategic partnership.
He stressed that the upgraded relationship will span key economic and technological sectors.
"We have decided to enhance the bilateral relations into a strategic partnership which should cover all fields including agriculture, imports and new technology," he stated.
Ibrahim arrived in Kenya on Sunday, November 23, and was received by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
In a statement after receiving the Malaysian Prime Minister, Mudavadi said Ibrahim would hold bilateral discussions with Ruto aimed at deepening the longstanding relations between Kenya and Malaysia.
Mudavadi noted that the discussion will focus especially on the affordable housing programme, digital economy and Tourism.
"Our discussions will focus on strengthening this long-standing partnership, especially in affordable housing and the digital economy. Malaysian companies have shown strong interest in contributing to Kenya’s housing and infrastructure agenda, and we look forward to expanding collaboration in these transformative sectors.
"Tourism is another key frontier. Both countries are exploring ways to work together in promoting our destinations, enhancing cultural exchanges, and jointly positioning ourselves on the global stage through partnerships with international organisations," he said.
On Sunday night, Ruto hosted a state banquet in honour of the Malaysian Prime Minister at State House, Nairobi.
Speaking during the banquet, Ruto said Kenya draws inspiration from Malaysia’s transformation.
"We draw profound inspiration from Malaysia's remarkable transformation. A nation that chose bold ambitions over the comfort of ordinary and rejected mediocrity in favour of excellence.
"Confident not only in our own potential but assured by Malaysia’s example and the remarkable journey it has walked, we are advancing our KSh5 trillion plan to invest in our people, expand agricultural productivity, build world-class infrastructure and power our industries," he said.
On his part, Ibrahim praised Ruto for the affordable housing programme in Kenya.
"One aspect that is exciting for me, because like you, I am very passionate about poverty alleviation and housing for the poor, when I learnt that there is an ambitious programme of 150,000 units of affordable housing, this exemplifies the spirit of remarkable leadership," he said.
