Kenya and Türkiye are moving to expand cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, aviation, health and defence as the two countries seek to turn their longstanding diplomatic ties into practical opportunities for businesses and citizens.
The commitment followed talks between Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and a delegation from the Türkiye–Kenya Parliamentary Friendship Group in Nairobi, with both sides exploring ways to increase trade, attract investment and strengthen political and security cooperation.
Mudavadi said Kenya's international partnerships should bring direct benefits to citizens by opening new markets and creating employment opportunities.
“Stronger global partnerships should open doors for Kenyan businesses, create jobs and connect our people to bigger markets,” Mudavadi said.
The talks placed a strong focus on increasing Turkish investment in Kenya and expanding business links between enterprises from the two countries.
Tourism, aviation, manufacturing, investment and trade were identified as key areas for closer cooperation, with the partnership expected to support job creation, technology transfer, skills development and Kenya's participation in regional and global markets.
Aviation was also a major part of the discussions, particularly cooperation between Kenya Airways and Turkish Airlines.
The two countries are looking to improve air connectivity to make it easier for tourists, investors and business travellers to move between Kenya and Türkiye while strengthening business and people-to-people ties.
Stronger air links could also support Kenya's efforts to position itself as a gateway to East Africa and a regional centre for tourism, investment and international business.
The Kenyan delegation was led by Adan Keynan Wehliye, chairperson of the Kenya–Türkiye Parliamentary Friendship Group. The Turkish delegation was led by Ismail Güneş, a member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly for Uşak Province and co-chair of the Türkiye–Kenya Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Güneş said Türkiye's engagement with Africa had grown, with the number of Turkish embassies on the continent rising from 12 to 44.
The parliamentary friendship groups were also identified as an important avenue for expanding political dialogue, cooperation between lawmakers and economic relations between the two countries.
Security and regional stability formed another key part of the talks, with Türkiye offering to share its experience in counter-terrorism, defence development and building an indigenous defence industry.
The Turkish delegation also highlighted Ankara's involvement in Somalia and its interest in supporting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
The two sides reviewed existing defence agreements, including the Defence Industry Agreement signed in 2023 and the Defence Cooperation Agreement concluded in May 2026.
They expressed optimism that the agreements would move through the respective legislative processes and create a stronger basis for defence cooperation between Kenya and Türkiye.
Mudavadi welcomed Türkiye's role in promoting regional and international peace and security, particularly at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty.
He also called on Ankara to continue its diplomatic and mediation efforts aimed at encouraging dialogue and peaceful solutions to conflicts.
Health was another area identified for expanded cooperation, with Türkiye offering to share its experience in health infrastructure, social health protection and specialised medical services.
Possible areas of cooperation include hospital infrastructure, medical training, health technology, health-system management and health tourism.
The latest engagement forms part of Kenya's wider effort to strengthen economic and strategic partnerships, attract more investment, open up markets and deepen cooperation on regional security.
For Türkiye, Kenya provides an important partner in East Africa, with opportunities to expand trade and investment while working together on peace, stability and development.
The talks point to a push by both countries to move beyond diplomatic relations and build a partnership focused on economic growth, security and practical benefits for their citizens.