The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research, convened an event to commemorate Kenya’s Jamhuri Day, underscoring deepening Pakistan Kenya ties. The proceedings began with the national anthems of Pakistan, Kenya and the East African Community and were moderated by Dr. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, paid tribute to leaders who have advanced Pakistan’s engagement with Africa and noted that Jamhuri Day commemorates Kenya’s independence on 12 December 1963 and its emergence as a republic under Jomo Kenyatta. He highlighted Kenya’s progress across governance, tourism, conservation and business innovation and reaffirmed the importance of Pakistan Kenya ties under the country’s Engage Africa policy, announcing an ISSI “Africa Corner” in 2026 to deepen institutional exchanges.
The Chief Guest Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed recalled shared histories and Pakistan’s support for Kenya’s independence, pointing to nearly one billion dollars in bilateral trade, Pakistan’s import of Kenyan tea, defence and civil service cooperation, a vibrant diaspora and mutual cooperation in multilateral forums and initiatives such as the Belt and Road and the Maritime Silk Road.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlined practical areas to expand cooperation, noting complementarities in tea and rice, and interest in agricultural projects, joint industrial ventures, youth skills development, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, defence collaboration, tourism and port cooperation, particularly with Mombasa Port. He recalled Kenya’s role hosting the Pakistan–Africa Trade Development Conference in 2020.
Kenya’s diplomatic representatives also addressed the gathering. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru, High Commissioner of Kenya to Pakistan, described Kenya’s journey to independence and highlighted its stability, democratic credentials, climate resilience, technology strides and regional leadership. High Commissioner Ibrar Hussain emphasised Kenya’s competitive advantages including a temperate climate, low energy costs with nearly 90 percent renewable energy, a 30,000-strong Pakistani community and recent exhibition-driven trade worth around USD 19 million, stressing Africa’s role in future global growth.
In his vote of thanks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood stressed Kenya’s strategic importance as Pakistan expands its engagement with Africa and urged further development of a strategic economic partnership grounded in shared ideals and expanding trade, defence and people-to-people links. Throughout the event speakers reiterated the need to translate goodwill into concrete projects that advance Pakistan Kenya ties for mutual peace and prosperity.
