NAIROBI, Kenya, May 15 – Deputy President Righathi Gachagua Monday said plans were underway to launch direct chartered flights between Kenya and Colombia in a bid to facilitate business and investment.
Speaking on Monday during a press briefing together with the Vice President of Colombia Francia Elena Marquez Mina at his official residence in Nairobi, Gachagua committed to further increase of two-way trade and investment cooperation between Kenya and Colombia by focusing on economic and commercial programs and promotion of business interactions between the two countries.
“Our government is committed to further increase a two-way trade and investment cooperation between Kenya and Colombia by focusing on economic and commercial programs and promotion of business interactions between our two countries, ranging from the MSME’s Sector, the private sector and business management organizations,” he said.
“Our Political Consultations have explored the need to establish direct flights between the two countries, which would be an enabler for trade and investment for People to People contact.”
Coffee value chain
Gachagua added that since the Republic of Colombia has made progress in the coffee sub-sector, Kenya is looking to tap into the knowledge on coffee production and exportation to firm up its position as a leading player.
DP also highlighted provision of technical support in health and the use of Bamboo as an affordable housing material which will go a long way in aiding the government achieve it’s plan of the social housing program and affordable housing.
“Your government’s assistance through provision of technical support in health, the use of bamboo as an affordable housing material, cooperation in Technical, Vocational and Education and Training, Culture and most importantly Technical Cooperation in the coffee sector will go a long way in enabling Kenya attain her development aspirations,” he added.
“We look forward to partnering with Colombia in creating linkages between African Diaspora in the Caribbean, Latin America, and North America regions.”
The two leaders also oversaw the signing of two memoranda of understanding that will enhance the working cooperation between Kenya and Colombia and enhancing gender equality and women empowerment.
Mina arrived in Kenya Sunday evening for a three-day official visit that is aimed at boosting existing bilateral ties between the two countries.
The VP’s visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations signed by the two countries in 2021 whose main objective is enhancing the partnership and engagements between Kenya and Colombia.
The two nations have enjoyed warm and cordial relations since 1967 when they formally established diplomatic relations.
