A delegation from the Parliament of Namibia is in the country to benchmark the Kenyan National Assembly and establish cooperation initiatives between the two countries.

In a statement on Friday, January 24, 2025, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula said the two countries have enjoyed bilateral ties since 1964 and that several areas of partnership are to be exploited.

“The Namibian delegation is on an official benchmarking tour of the National Assembly of Kenya to engage in discussions regarding the benefits of cooperation between the National Assemblies of both countries and conduct a tour of the facilities in the Parliament of Kenya,” Wetang’ula said.

“Namibia and Kenya share a long history of cordial relations dating back to 1964. This visit marks the ongoing strengthening of our ties through parliamentary diplomacy and bilateral cooperation, ultimately benefiting the citizens of both nations.”

Wetang’ula equally stated the valuable opportunity for legislators from both countries to exchange constructive ideas and build partnerships that promote mutual development.

Namibian embassy

Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma, who is a member of the speaker’s panel also highlighted the areas of partnership between the two countries.

“There is significant potential to boost trade between our two nations, especially through the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) agreements,” Kaluma noted.

He further expressed concern about the absence of a Namibian Embassy in Kenya. “Kenya maintains a resident diplomatic mission in Windhoek, while Namibia’s mission in Dar-es-Salaam is accredited to Kenya. Kenya has formally requested Namibia to consider establishing a resident diplomatic mission in Nairobi,” he said.

Kaluma noted that such a mission would greatly streamline visa processing and enhance diplomatic engagements, making interactions between the two nations more efficient.

Partnership talks dominate

Kaluma equally stressed the positive trajectory of trade relations between Kenya and Namibia and the potential for further growth, especially with the full implementation of the AfCFTA and TFTA agreements.

Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia also welcomed the visiting legislators noting the importance of the free movement of people and goods across the continent; suggesting that trade should also extend to labor and education.

Equally, Brighton Yegon, Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture & Livestock, encouraged further cooperation between Kenya and Namibia on agricultural markets, specifically in products such as maize and sorghum.