Namwamba holds high-level talks with new Austrian ambassador
By Sharon Atieno, July 27, 2026Former Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has held high-level talks with Austria’s newly appointed Ambassador to Kenya, Simone Knapp, as the two countries seek to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen collaboration on regional and global issues.
In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, July 27, 2026, Namwamba said he met the envoy during a courtesy call at the Kenya High Commission in Kampala, where they discussed Kenya-Austria relations, regional integration and peace and security on the continent.
“Held talks with the new Ambassador of Austria to Kenya, H.E. Dr. Simone Knapp who paid me a courtesy call at the Kenya High Commission Kampala earlier today,” Namwamba said.
Focus on Kenya-Austria partnership
Namwamba noted that Ambassador Knapp brings extensive diplomatic experience, having previously served as Austria’s ambassador to Ethiopia, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
He said the discussions covered a broad range of issues aimed at strengthening cooperation between Nairobi and Vienna.
“We have discussed a wide range of issues touching on Kenya-Austria bilateral cooperation, EAC integration lessons from the EU and African Union peace and security mandate,” he stated.
Namwamba added that Kenya and Austria continue to enjoy strong bilateral and multilateral relations, with both countries hosting key United Nations agencies.
“Kenya and Austria enjoy warm ties bilaterally and multilaterally, both being key UN host countries. We look forward to the deepening and broadening of this special relationship through the representation of Ambassador Simone Knapp. Balozi, Karibu Kenya, the beautiful land of Hakuna Matata!” he said.
Diplomatic engagements gather pace
The meeting comes as Kenya witnesses increased diplomatic engagement with foreign partners on matters of development, regional cooperation and governance.
Earlier on Monday, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i met Acting United States Ambassador to Kenya Susan Burns for discussions on Kenya’s development priorities and the aspirations of its people.
According to a statement after the meeting, the two exchanged views on a wide range of issues affecting the country, with Matiang’i expressing appreciation for the envoy’s perspectives.
“The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives, with Dr. Matiang’i expressing his appreciation for Ms. Burns’ valuable insights,” the statement said.
Kenya strengthens international partnerships
The latest diplomatic engagements also come as President William Ruto continues to strengthen Kenya’s international partnerships.
On Monday, Ruto hosted King Letsie III of Lesotho, the African Union Champion on Nutrition, at State House, Nairobi, where they discussed food security, hunger and malnutrition across Africa.
The series of high-level meetings underscores Kenya’s continued efforts to deepen bilateral relations, expand regional cooperation and enhance its role in addressing continental development, trade and peace initiatives.