SANTO DOMINGO / BRASILIA – Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, has successfully concluded a high-level diplomatic mission to South America, reinforcing Kenya’s global presence and deepening bilateral cooperation across security, trade, health, and diaspora relations.
In his final official engagement, Dr. Mudavadi was warmly received at Palacio Nacional in Santo Domingo by President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic. The two leaders engaged in wide-ranging discussions that included regional and global peace, with a focus on the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti.
Dr. Mudavadi conveyed President William Ruto’s gratitude for the Dominican Republic’s strong backing of the MSSM. President Abinader reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the mission’s success, proposing deeper collaboration with Brazil to enhance regional stability in Haiti. The bilateral meeting was also attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Roberto Alvarez and Deputy Foreign Minister Amb. Francisco Caraballo.
Later, during discussions with Mr. Ito Bisonó, Minister for Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, Dr. Mudavadi explored bold new trade and investment frontiers. The two leaders emphasized strengthening business-to-business ties, particularly through the chambers of commerce, to unlock value in coffee, horticulture, and other high-potential exports targeting the EU and U.S. markets.
The possibility of direct flights between Nairobi and Santo Domingo was also discussed, with both sides agreeing such a connection would greatly enhance trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
In the health sector, Dr. Mudavadi held talks with Dr. Victor Atallah, Minister of Public Health, on medical support for Kenyan personnel under the MSSM, including emergency evacuation and vaccination protocols. Also explored were opportunities in medical manufacturing, vaccine production, and healthcare training—aligning with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) ambitions. Present at the talks were Amb. Mwenda Karisa and Vice Minister Dr. Gina Estrella.
In Brasilia, Dr. Mudavadi addressed African Heads of Mission, advocating for urgent African Union institutional reforms and a restructured global financial system. He championed a more equitable international order in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063, emphasizing Africa’s place in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Accompanied by Kenya’s Ambassador to Brazil, Dr. Andrew Karanja, Dr. Mudavadi also engaged with the Kenyan diaspora in Brazil. He commended their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit while updating them on government initiatives to attract diaspora investment—including the upcoming Diaspora Infrastructure Bond.
“Our country remains stable and anchored in strong institutions and good governance,” he assured, emphasizing the government’s commitment to creating a secure environment for diaspora-driven growth.
Dr. Mudavadi’s multi-nation tour affirms Kenya’s strategic push to deepen bilateral ties across Latin America and the Caribbean, furthering its global diplomacy goals while building meaningful bridges in security, commerce, health, and diaspora engagement.
By Kelly Were | Uzalendo News
