Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has lauded Kenya’s strong commitment to poverty alleviation and affordable housing, describing the country’s efforts as “remarkable leadership.”
Speaking at a state banquet hosted by Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto on Sunday night, Anwar highlighted Kenya’s ambitious programme to build more than 150,000 housing units for low-income communities, calling it an outstanding model of leadership.
Relating Kenya’s approach to Malaysia’s own efforts in tackling hardcore poverty, he said, “I am, like you, very, very passionate about poverty alleviation, housing for the poor and for the masses.” He added that Kenya’s focus on leveraging governance and power to uplift the poor reflected the spirit of Jomo Kenyatta, the country’s first president and independence leader.
Anwar also emphasised the potential to elevate bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Kenya, particularly in trade and investment. He noted that Malaysia is ready to share expertise in the semiconductor and electrical and electronics sectors, while also learning from Kenya’s rapid development and determination.
The discussions between the two countries will continue on Monday during a bilateral meeting covering trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation.
Accompanying Anwar on the two-day official visit are Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, senior government officials, and a business delegation.
Kenya, bordered by South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, the Indian Ocean, Tanzania, Uganda, and Lake Victoria, emerged as Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner in Africa in 2024, with total trade reaching RM5.7 billion — a 1.2 per cent increase from RM5.51 billion in 2023.
Anwar is scheduled to depart Nairobi later today, concluding his three-nation tour of Africa.
