Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has intensified Kenya’s diplomatic push for strategic continental partnerships following his high-level talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, on the sidelines of the 48th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council.

Taking to his official X account on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Mudavadi described Kenya and Nigeria as key partners in advancing trade, investment, and shared prosperity across Africa.

“Kenya and Nigeria continue to stand as strong partners in driving trade, investment, and shared prosperity for our people,” Mudavadi stated.

According to Mudavadi, their discussions focused on deepening cooperation in key sectors and enhancing coordination on regional and global priorities.

Operationalising JCC

He further emphasised the urgency of operationalising the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) signed between Kenya and Nigeria in July 2013, noting that its full implementation would unlock new economic and diplomatic opportunities for both countries.

The Joint Commission framework is designed to facilitate structured engagement in areas such as trade, security, education, agriculture, energy, and cultural exchange. However, progress in operationalising the agreement has been gradual over the years.

“On the sidelines of the 48th Ordinary Session of the @_AfricanUnion Executive Council, I engaged Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador @YusufTuggar, on deepening our bilateral ties and strengthening coordination on key regional and global priorities. I also emphasized the urgency of operationalising the Joint Commission for Cooperation signed in July 2013 to unlock more opportunities for both nations,” Mudavadi wrote on X.

Backing for Kenya’s ICJ bid

Beyond bilateral trade, Mudavadi used the meeting to lobby for Nigeria’s support for Kenya’s candidates in several high-profile continental and international positions.

He sought Abuja’s backing for Judge Phoebe Okowa’s candidature to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term.

Kenya is also campaigning for Nkatha Murungi’s election to the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child for the 2026–2031 term.

Additionally, Mudavadi requested Nigeria’s support for the re-election of Litha Musyimi-Ogana to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights for the 2026–2029 term.

“I further sought Nigeria’s continued support for the candidature of Judge Phoebe Okowa to the International Court of Justice for the full 2027–2036 term, and Kenya’s candidature of Ms. Nkatha Murungi to the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child for the 2026–2031 term, alongside the re-election of Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights for the 2026–2029 term,” he stated.