Malaysian prime minister jets to Kenya for 2-day official visit
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 23, 2025Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi welcomed Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Kenya on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The two-day official visit marks a continuation of over 60 years of close cooperation between the two countries in trade, education, tourism, and investment.
Taking to X, Mudavadi noted that the visit would focus on strengthening the partnership, particularly in affordable housing and the digital economy. He highlighted that Malaysian companies have shown interest in contributing to Kenya’s housing and infrastructure plans, signalling opportunities for investment in transformative sectors.
“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,” he stated.
Boosting Kenya’s tourism sector
Tourism is also a key area of collaboration. Both countries are exploring ways to jointly promote their destinations, enhance cultural exchanges, and increase visibility on the global stage through partnerships with international organisations.
Kenya’s tourism sector has shown strong growth in recent years. According to Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, the country welcomed over 2.4 million international visitors in 2024, generating a record Ksh452 billion in revenue. The sector provides more than 1.1 million direct jobs and over three million indirect jobs.
Miano has emphasised that Kenya is diversifying its tourism products beyond wildlife and coastal attractions, expanding into cultural tourism, adventure tourism, wellness, and cuisine.
The government has also made travel more accessible for international visitors by streamlining the electronic travel authorisation system, easing visa processes, and improving immigration services. Events such as the Magical Kenya Travel Expo, which hosted more than 400 exhibitors and 5,000 delegates in October, further strengthen the country’s tourism profile.
The Prime Minister’s visit comes amid Kenya’s ambitious development agenda. President William Ruto has outlined plans to dual at least 1,000 kilometres of major highways and construct an additional 10,000 kilometres of new tarmac roads. He also pledged to complete the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line from Naivasha to Malaba, improving connectivity across the region.
While the meetings between Kenyan and Malaysian officials are yet to start, Mudavadi expressed optimism that the visit would deepen economic ties, promote innovation, and create shared growth opportunities. Both countries remain committed to building on decades of friendship and expanding collaboration in key sectors that drive development and prosperity for their citizens.